Kingfield Neighborhood Association
COMMUNITY INITIATED GRANT
Program Introduction
The following information is intended to answer your questions as to the Kingfield Neighborhood Association’s (KFNA’s) Community Initiated Grant Programs intent, application process, and restrictions. Project ideas are for residents to develop, as KFNA feels that neighbors often know best what is needed to make their community more friendly, peaceful, safe, and livable. Often what is needed to make an idea a reality, besides some technical assistance and advice, is a small amount of money to initiate or implement a project. By establishing a pool of funds for small community-initiated projects, neighbors can work with each other and the neighborhood association to determine fast solutions to community problems. If you have questions concerning the possible eligibility or feasibility of a proposed project, please feel free to call the KFNA office, 823-5980, to discuss it with staff. Please note that KFNA reserves the right to refuse any grant application or to close the program or change the guidelines at any point. Our goal, however, is to find a way to make NRP dollars work quickly and directly for neighbors in visual ways that help create a feeling of community.
Project Ideas, Resources and Timeline
Project proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed monthly, until funds are committed. Projects will be funded on a first-come/first-served basis. Funds are limited to:
- A maximum of $1,000 for a block-project. A “block-project†is defined as both sides of your street or both sides of your alley. It may involve more than one block but still be classified as a block-project unless you can prove how the project will serve the larger Kingfield community. Examples of projects could include: replacing boulevard/front yard trees; installing boulevard or alley gardens; replacing or providing traffic signage; installing alley speed humps/bumps, lighting or motion detectors; or helping a neighbor-in-need repair an unsightly garage.
- A maximum of $3,000 for a community-project. A “community-project†is defined as serving a broad spectrum of Kingfield neighbors. It could include site-specific projects if they benefit more than just the immediate block, such as clearing and starting a community garden. Ideas include: neighborhood-wide or corridor specific litter or graffiti clean-ups; providing programs that serve Kingfield residents or assisting youth, seniors, or other under-represented groups design and lead their own activities; mentoring a team of neighborhood youth to produce a video or history project on the neighborhood; site improvements on public property such as repairing the tennis courts at King Park or improvements to non-profit sites if they are open to the public, such as replacing damaged equipment or enhancing playground equipment.
Program Limitations
- Neighbors cannot be reimbursed for their labor on a project. However, a project employing or providing stipends to neighborhood youth would be considered.
- Project must be completed and all receipts submitted within three months of project approval, unless you have received written permission otherwise.  No money will be paid until the project is inspected and considered complete and a final report (form provided) is filed with KFNA. Reimbursement will be provided to approved vendors or Project Leaders only. Please make sure vendors understand they will not receive payment until the project is completed.
- No expenses made before Project Approval Date will be accepted.
- Grant dollars cannot be used for food, lobbying, or fundraising events, including events that charge an admission fee.
Application Process
- A neighbor calls the KFNA office to discuss their project idea with Staff and request an application form.
- The Application form can either be completed and submitted, or, the Project Leader may work with KFNA NRP Staff to assist them in outlining the project details. Tasks that Staff can help with include attending and/or organizing block meetings, researching project costs, or assisting in determining if there is substantial community support for the proposed project. Signed project supporters must be willing to participate in the project implementation.
- Completed forms are to be submitted to the KFNA Office, C/O Community Initiated Grant, 3754 Pleasant Ave S, #101, MPLS, MN, 55409. KFNA Staff reviews all project proposals and determines if further clarification is needed on the project or budget. The project is then approved or denied . Any projects that are out of the ordinary will be brought to the NRP Steering Committee at the regular monthly meeting (typically third Monday) for review and approval or denial.
Only one grant per block, per year, is eligible. Previously funded blocks may apply for funds for new projects each year; blocks may reapply for the same project each year project, but all applications of this nature will be reviewed by the NRP Steering Committee.   Please note, City regulations may restrict or direct projects, in some cases.
Policies
- Funds will be paid to the designated Project Leader on a reimbursement basis at the end of the project with valid receipts that itemize materials purchased, vendor/store, and date.
- Funds may be paid directly to the Vendor if prior apaproval by the KFNA Coordinator is secured in writing.
- Boulevard gardens will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $100 per address.
- Neighbors cannot be reimbursed for their labor on a project; however, a professional can be hired to perform a service.
- Projects must be completed and all receipts submitted within three months of project approval. No money will be paid until the project is inspected and considered complete and a final report (form provided) is filed with KFNA.
- Any written materials produced with KFNA Community Initiated Grant Funds must include the following language: “This project is made possible through the Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) Community Initiated Grant Program, a project of the KFNA NRP Action Plan. This project is citizen designed and led and questions should be directed to (insert Project Leader’s name and number.)â€
- Boulevard trees, traffic signage, speed humps/bumps, alley lighting and motion detectors, neighborhood or property clean-up projects, and projects that are clearly supported in the Kingfield NRP Action Plan may be approved by NRP Coordinator. All other projects will be brought to the NRP Steering Committee for discussion and final determination.