The Sustainable Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP) is awarded for projects that enhance neighborhood livability and "build community" within Willow Council District .  The SNAP Grant Funds are made available through Willow Council District Funds which are designed for district projects.  SNAP Projects must take place in, or have a tangible benefit to the residents of, Willow Council District.

A SNAP Neighborhood is:  A place where it makes economic and emotional sense for people to invest their time, money and energy;  a place where stake holders successfully manage community-related issues and; a place where people live, recreate, work, and have a sense of belonging.

This grant program offers organizations a chance to make Willow District neighborhoods safer, cleaner, healthier and more livable by providing resources to achieve their goals.  SNAP grants are meant to develop community spirit, encourage neighborhood sustainability and recruit volunteers to share in these efforts.

The application process for the SNAP Grant is available only through the Willow District webpage. This online application and reporting process is intended to accelerate reviews and decisions regarding grant awards, as well as utilizing technology rather than paper and postage. You will find links to the "Idea Letter" form at the top of this page.
 

• Communications: designing new websites, a newsletter, neighborhood surveys.
• Outreach mobilizations: door-to-door canvassing, A-frame meeting signs, activities to build membership and outreach to neighbors and businesses.
• Projects that build relationships between neighborhoods and local organizations such as schools, PTAs, non-profits, and businesses.
• Crime prevention activities: neighborhood patrols, and block watches.
• Neighborhood fairs or festivals or special one-time events and projects such as block parties and neighborhood forums.
• Neighborhood physical improvements such as trees, community gardens, gateway signs, and projects that address neighborhood preservation, blight, safety and security.

• Direct social services such as food baskets and health clinic services.
• Ongoing general organizational support such as rent, utilities or that require ongoing funding or staffing.
• Events that constitute a religious worship or which would advance or promote a religion or religious purpose.
• Direct grants, scholarships or projects for the benefit of specific individuals or private entity.
• Loans or debt retirement.
• Annual appeals, general fund drives.
• Emergency funding.
• Projects that include ordinary City services such as maintenance of parks, public street lighting and public streets, or for maintenance and operations of projects.
• Projects that would fix a self-imposed code violation.
• Construction of entry gates.
• Normal apartment or home owner association maintenance and operations projects.

• A neighborhood watch group.
• A neighborhood association or other group of residents in a geographical area .
• Multi-family residence organizations (fully certified in the City’s Crime Free Multi-housing Program).
• A homeowner, condo, business or professional association.
• A school club or educational group that participates in extra-curricular activities.
• A non-profit  community-support organization. 
• Youth service organizations.

• An applicant may request up to $2,000 for each project. Applicants are not required to provide a "neighborhood match" in the form of in-kind donations, volunteer services, and/or cash. Greater consideration will be given, however, for a project that leverages community resources or combines funding from sources that contribute to the project and does not rely solely on financial assistance from the SNAP grant.

• Improve neighborhood appearance.
• Encourage neighborhood residents to participate.
• Demonstrate collaboration with community groups and organizations.
• Develop leadership within neighborhoods.
• Enhance partnerships between community organizations and the City.
• Create or enhance a tangible improvement in the neighborhood.
• Disseminate information and increase awareness of "community building" activities.

Step 1:

• Fill-out and submit the "idea letter” form.  Answer the six questions on the “idea letter” form.  The pupose of this form is to provide an overview of the project.
• Councilmember Edwards will review the project idea letter to determine if the project meets the grant criteria and Willow District needs.  If the project idea is approved, you will be asked to submit a SNAP Grant Application.

Step 2:

• Fill out and submit the SNAP Grant application.
• Councilmember Edwards will review the grant application. 
• Applications recommended for award will be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
• Councilman Pearson will notify you of the award or non-award of your grant application.

1. An end-of-project evaluation and expense summary must be completed and returned by June 30 of the current fiscal year.  We encourage you to do so within 30 days of completion of your individual project.
2. Each end-of-project evaluation  must provide a photograph (in electronic format) of a project activity . Please note the project picture may be used in future publications. 
3. Past grant recipients must have submitted their final evaluation and photos to be eligible for further SNAP Grant consideration.

• Applicants may be contacted during review process for additional information.
• If you are proposing a physical improvement project, be certain that city staff has confirmed the cost of permits, potential design review costs, and installation costs.
• Projects must create or enhance a tangible improvement in the neighborhood within one year of approval.
• Groups based outside the Willow Council District may be given consideration, although local proposals will be considered with a higher priority.
• Funds will not be distributed to individuals.
• Awarded funds may only be expended for the purposes and uses specificed in the approved grant application.

1. Read the SNAP Grant Information thoroughly.
2. Choose a project through group discussion with stake holders in the proposed project area.
3. Designate a Project Coordinator who will be the contact person.
4. Submit project “Idea Letter”.
5. Within two weeks of receipt of the “Idea Letter” by Councilman Edwards, you will be notified of the status of your project.