CitiWorks Mini-Grant Program 2015 provides neighborhood-based organizations access to funds for physical improvements to city

On Wednesday, March 4 at 5:00pm, the City of New Bedford, through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), will launch the 2015 CitiWorks Mini-Grant Program. The program will be further described in an informational workshop at the OHCD, 608 Pleasant Street, 2nd Floor conference room at 5:00PM.

Now in its fifth year, CitiWorks continues to a be a successful mini-grants program which provides numerous neighborhood-based organizations access to funds of up to $2,000 to make physical improvements to the city. Eligible improvements include tree plantings, community gardens, murals, public art and other enhanced public spaces that help make New Bedford a more livable and beautiful place to live, work, and shop. CitiWorks also empowers residents to collaborate with their neighbors, local non-profit organizations, and the city, to help envision, and complete projects that develop leadership and encourage more residents to take part in improving their own neighborhoods.

Examples of projects funded last year include the new public mural at Acushnet Avenue and Coffin Avenue, the tiny libraries located a number of fire stations, the historically accurate garden at Brooklawn Park, a new community garden at the Brooks School, improvements to the Victory Park Children’s Garden and an improved public outdoor space at Ingraham Place in the South End.

Projects may be sited either on private land–as long as the site is visible and accessible to all neighborhood residents–or on memorial squares, portions of city parks, or other public lands, pending City approval. Existing community gardens and pocket parks are also eligible. Project sites must also be located in an eligible low to moderate income census block as determined by Housing and Community Development (HUD), or the project must directly serve low to moderate income residents.

Eligible applicants include neighborhood and community groups; youth, parent or senior groups; volunteer groups and clubs; neighborhood watch groups; and school-based groups. Applicants must have a federal 501c (3) designation, or work with an organization who does.

For more information about CitiWorks, please contact Edward Bates at the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) at 508-979-1500 or visit the OHCD’s website at http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/community-development/.