Neighborhood Grant Program

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    • The i-Golden Neighborhood Grants program is a part of City Council’s Year of the Neighborhood.

    Two Grant Levels

    • A small grant of up to $500 dollars.
    • A matching grant of up to $2,500.

    All grants must be applied for and approved prior to the event. All grant money is in the form of reimbursements.

    The small grants are intended for block parties, neighborhood cleanup days and other small neighborhood events and projects. These will be ongoing as long as there is funding.

    The matching grants are for larger projects, and the neighborhood is required to match the amount of the grant. The match must be met with cash, pro bono and in-kind contributions, or sweat equity. The match will be 1:1 (neighborhoods ½, City financial contribution ½ ). These projects should build a more vibrant neighborhood and benefit the community as well.

    The matching grants will be evaluated by staff. Recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for final approval.

    Both types of grants need to support the Golden Vision 2030 neighborhood values, and take into consideration Golden’s sustainability goals. Golden businesses should be used for professional services and materials.

    For assistance contact City Clerk Susan Brooks — 303-384-8014. If you would like a Word copy of the application one can be emailed to you.

    Small Grants

    Basic Criteria

    • Can apply anytime during the year until funds for that year are expended.  Must apply prior to event or project and be approved to be reimbursed for expenses.  Must use vendors, suppliers, within the City of Golden, unless not available.
    • Describe the issue impacting your neighborhood
    • Describe your plan of action
    • List participants involved in the activity
    • Describe the purpose and amount of funding needed
    • List other funding partners or contributors, preferably within the City of Golden
    • Share how you will know if you have been successful
    • Provide a follow up evaluation, including photographs of event, detailing how the program helped strengthen the neighborhood, how many people were impacted, new ways neighbors worked to create a healthier neighborhood, if objectives were met, and if the project was successful.
    • Alcohol will NOT be reimbursed.

    Matching Grants

    Basic Criteria

    • The project should provide a public benefit and be free and open to all members of the public.  Must use Golden businesses, unless product is not available locally, in order to be reimbursed.  City Permits and alcohol will not be reimbursed.
    • Emphasize self-help, with project ideas initiated, planned and implemented by the neighbors and community members who will themselves be impacted by the project.
    • Demonstrate community match (Cash contributions, volunteer labor, and or/pro bono, and in-kind contributions).
    • Occur within Golden city limits.
    Matching Grant Application Criteria

    Proposed Idea

    The purpose of all projects is to create stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Provide details about exactly how your project will build a more vibrant neighborhood. Explain why you want to do this project, how it will benefit the public and exactly what you will do. Your detailed work plan should include step by step activities of your project.

    Neighborhood Involvement/Community Building

    Projects build community by intentionally bringing people together. Who is involved in the project, both now and during the project implementation? Projects should involve as many diverse groups and individuals as possible and reflect the demographics of our community, including youth, seniors, renters, homeowners, business organizations etc.

    Outcomes

    A successful project will have a vision for success and be driven by achievable outcomes. What are the specific outcomes, both tangible and/or intangible results, and how you will measure project success. Also explain continued maintenance plans for your project.

    Project Resources and Readiness

    Widespread and diverse match contributions of cash, volunteer labor, donated professional services and donated materials are indicators of community support. Project readiness means that the project has been well planned and will be successful in raising enough to match within the timeframe required by the fund. Provide a detailed project budget, and explain how you will raise your community match funds. Use of Golden based businesses in strongly encouraged whenever possible.

    Bonus Points

    Bonus points could be used for 1st time projects by a group and non-HOA groups.

    Follow Up Evaluation

    A follow up evaluation similar to the small grant is required.

    The same staff members would evaluate the larger matching grants, with input from other appropriate staff depending on the project and submit those recommendations to council for the final decision on awarding the grant.

    What is Not Funded

    Grants must be approved prior to expenditures being made. Funds will not be given to individual persons, individual businesses, religious organizations, government agencies, political groups, universities or newspapers. Funds cannot be used for:

    • Duplication of an existing public or private program
    • Support for ongoing programs or services
    • To replace funding lost from other funding sources
    • To pay for an organization’s operating expenses not directly related to the awarded project
    • Purchase or land or buildings
    • Payment for out of City travel expenses, or any lodging/hotel expenses
    • Private transportation expenses including mileage, gas insurance, car rentals, etc.
    • Payment for expenditures or financial commitments made before the organization is under contract with the city, City Permits, or alcoholic beverages.