Get InvolvedQuarterly Report

Block Empowerment Grant

Block Clubs connected to Bailey Avenue are eligible to receive $5,000 for projects that serve their block!

The Block Empowerment grant program provides funding for block clubs to plan and implement community-based projects. Funding includes $1,000 in stipends to support youth and young adult involvement. The Block Empowerment grant program is one of several initiatives centered along the Eastside of the Bailey Avenue commercial corridor.

East Buffalo Development Corporation (EBDC) serves as the lead facilitator of Buffalo Community Connectors. This Smart Growth America program advances locally driven projects that reconnect communities separated or harmed by transportation infrastructure. Funding was secured through the efforts of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). The national Community Connectors program was created by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Smart Growth America in collaboration with Equitable Cities, the New Urban Mobility Alliance, and America Walks.

Check back with us or subscribe to our email updates for more information on the upcoming Farmer’s Markets, Quarterly Cleanups, and Youth Learn-to-Ride Bike Rodeo.

Grant ApplicationGrant Guidelines

Grant Application

Download Application

Block Club General Information

Block Club Mailing Address(Required)

Block Club Primary Contact Person

Primary Contact Person Name(Required)
Primary Contact Person Phone Number(s)(Required)
Type (i.e. Home, Mobile, Work) Click + to add more.
Phone Number
Type
 
News & Updates Emails(Required)
Please indicate if you would like to receive periodic news and updates emails from Buffalo Community Connectors.

Block Club Secondary Contact Person

Secondary Contact Person Name(Required)
Secondary Contact Person Phone Number(s)(Required)
Type (i.e. Home, Mobile, Work) Click + to add more.
Phone Number
Type
 

Block Club Background Information

Upload images of previous community work, if available.
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Project General Information

(Beautification, Health, and Safety)
Describe why this project is important and the needs that it addresses.
Describe if any planning and/or work that has been done directly related to this project.
Describe key development milestones and timeframes.
Project Team(Required)
Members that will be dedicated to the project development and completion. (Click + to add more.)
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address
 
Describe how the project will be maintained.

Project Budget

Please itemize budget items below or upload a document.
Itemized Budget(Required)
(Click + to add more.)
Item
Quantity
Cost
 
optional budget documentation
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Youth and Young Adult Participants

Awarded block clubs will receive $1,000 in stipends to be paid to youth and young adults for approved participation in Block Club projects and Community Connectors program activities.
List of Youth and Young Adults that will receive stipends for participation
(Click + to add more.)
First Name
Last Name
Home Address
Phone
Email
Birthdate
Age
 

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgement(Required)
Acknowledgement(Required)

Grant Guidelines

1. ELIGIBILITY

1.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLYING

Established block clubs located on streets that are directly connected to Bailey Avenue, between Winspear Avenue and Walden Avenue.

1.2 PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

Eligible projects are centered on one or more of the following focus areas; beautification, wellness, and safety. Projects must have a positive impact on the eastside Bailey neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. All project activities must be detailed in the application.

2. APPLICATION FORM/PROJECT PROPOSAL

2.1. APPLYING

Block clubs must apply as a group. Grants will not be awarded to individuals. Applications will be made available online at www.buffaloconnectors.org and can also be emailed to [email protected].

2.2 DEADLINES

Applications are due Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.
 Projects must be completed by Monday, September 30, 2024.

2.3 PROJECT FOCUS AREAS AND OBJECTIVES

Each project proposal should relate to at least one of the below focus areas, and demonstrate concrete objectives which correspond with the project aim(s).

Beautification – Community beautification are activities and initiatives that improve the aesthetic, functionality, and ambiance of public spaces in a community.

Wellness – Wellness refers to an overall balance of physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and environmental well-being.

Safety – freedom from conditions that can cause injury, illness, damage, or loss.

2.5. ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION

Successful applications will provide, in addition to a complete application, a budget, organization structure, visual and written account of previous community development and support.

2.6. BUDGET AND ELIGIBLE COST CATEGORIES

Awarded block clubs will be granted $4,000 towards directly related approved project costs and an additional $1,000 in youth and young adult participation stipends (maximum of $250 per individual and $50 per event participation).

3. PROJECT SELECTION

3.1. EVALUATION PERIOD

Applications will be evaluated and scored by the designated selection committee. Block clubs with the top 10 scores will be awarded. Applicant representatives may be invited to an interview, if deemed necessary by the selection committee.
Unless otherwise communicated, awards will be announced by May 13, 2024.

3.2. SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible applications will be evaluated on the following:

  • Project impact: The Project provides a tangible and/or visible benefit to all residents of the surrounding block.
  • Project feasibility: The Project can be successfully completed with people power and monies made available through the Block Empowerment Grant.
  • Project creativity: The Project highlights unique characteristics of the community and/or engages the community to participate in artistic expression.
  • Project sustainability: The Project provides a benefit that can be utilized for future seasons and/or contributes to the success of future community projects.
  • Budget: The Project clearly identifies needed supplies and costs within the allowable budget (up to $4,000).
  • Block club capacity to complete the project: The application clearly communicates the role of block club members to complete the project and, if needed, identifies any support required to complete the project. Applicants must acknowledge participation requirements for Technical Assistance, volunteer and outreach supports (see section 4.2).
  • Previous community-based activities performed by the block club and/ or its individual members.

4. CONTRACTUAL TERMS AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 CONTRACTUAL PERIOD

Contractual period extends from the execution of grant agreement to June 30, 2025.

4.2 PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Awarded block clubs MUST participate in the following programs without exception. Should a block club not adhere to the participation requirements, the grant award will be resent and reallocated. Failure to participate in the following will disqualify the block club from future Block Empowerment funding.

  • Technical Assistance – facilitated by a program representative
    • Project Execution – six sessions before project implementation.
    • Organizational Development – five sessions after project implementation.
    • Emergency Planning – three sessions after project implementation.
  • Volunteer support of Community Connectors Farmer’s Market – biweekly market held July-September.
  • Volunteer support of Community Connectors Quarterly Cleanups – once every three months.
  • Outreach support of Community Connectors Youth Bike Riding Events – three (3) events taking place in the summer of 2024.

5. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 MONITORING OF IMPLEMENTATION

Project implementation will be monitored throughout the duration of project execution, both scheduled and at random. Anticipated and present issues or challenges in implementation are to be communicated once availed. Should this be the case, the block club will work with the program facilitators to remedy the issue and/or identify appropriate adjustments. All modifications to the original project must receive written approval from the East Buffalo Development Corporation (EBDC). EBDC reserves the right to deny any proposed modification.

5.2 LIST OF INELIGIBLE COSTS

All cost related to religion, politics / government, or benefit any one individual are not eligible.

6. REPORTING, DISBURSEMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT

6.1 PROJECT PAYMENT DISBURSEMENTS

Awarded block clubs must submit a proposed project-related vendors list. Once project-related costs are incurred, the block must submit a requisition form. Approved requisition forms will be paid directly to the vendor by East Buffalo Development Corp.

Approved youth and young adult participants (ages 13-25) must submit a stipend payment form. Stipends will be paid directly to youth and young adult participants in cash.

6.2 REPORTING DOCUMENTS

Awarded block clubs will be responsible for completing a brief mid project report and full project outcome report. Block clubs will also be responsible for taking and providing pictures depicting the start, mid-point, and completion of the project. Block clubs may be requested to provide a presentation of their project to program facilitators and community stakeholders.