Invest in Neighborhoods Inc. Invest in Neighborhoods Inc.
Four categories of projects are eligible for Program grants:
Organizational Development,
NBD Promotional Activities,
Physical Improvements, and
Collaboration between NBDs and Community Councils.
The purpose of the Program is to fund neighborhood business district projects that will enhance the vitality of Cincinnati's neighborhood business districts, enhance the leadership capacity of Business Associations and Community Councils, and support efforts to recruit, train, and increase the productivity of volunteers. Program funds are available for projects that are planned and implemented by eligible Business Associations and Community Councils.
There are 34 Cincinnati communities with recognized NBDs. (See Appendix A for the list of recognized NBDs). The Program's definition of an NBD is: "the contiguous placement of businesses on primary streets in the neighborhood that are reliant upon neighborhood residents, while also serving customers from other communities." Typically, NBDs are composed of retail stores, restaurants, personal services, and other similar "walk-in" customer oriented businesses. These businesses and services are in a confined geographic area that makes the NBD unique, has visual impact, and its existence is important to the vitality of the neighborhood".
The Program is limited to the business districts currently recognized in 34 neighborhoods. Minor boundary adjustments are permissible at the request of the community. Due to changes in neighborhoods, in August 2004, the Department of Community Development and Planning (the Department) will complete a review of each NBD, especially as impacted by the new Zoning Code recently approved by City Council. As a result, recognized business districts and/or their boundaries may change.
Each project must meet the following qualifying criteria:
Support the City Council approved goals for the NBDSF;
Be located in one of the currently recognized neighborhood business districts;
Have written documentation that the neighborhood Business Association and Community Council has had an opportunity to review and comment on the project; and
Have a completion schedule not greater than 12 months after funding approval.
The maximum Program grant is $9,000 for each community. These funds can be used to support one or more of the community's NBDs.
Projects must meet one of the following eligibility standards:
Organizational Development: The project must strengthen, improve, and develop the NBD through organizational development activities for its association aimed at increasing its membership.
NBD Promotional Activities: The project must increase community awareness of the NBD and its businesses. These projects are specific or general activities that seek to inform, educate, and publicize the businesses and services in the NBD to neighborhood residents, the Community Council and other neighborhood stakeholders. These activities may include special events, promotional materials such as maps or web sites, or NBD identification elements that build a sense of community, pride and cohesion.
Physical Improvements: The project must focus on capital improvements, streetscape improvements or other amenities or activities in the NBD public right-of-way that are designed to improve safety, clean-up, beautify, enhance signage or lighting, and/or landscaping (including planters).
Collaboration between the Neighborhood Business Associations and Community Councils: The project activities must improve the communication and collaboration between the Neighborhood Business Association and Community Council. Such activities may include the joint sponsoring of a NBD or community event. Innovation is encouraged in this area.
