City of Pinole: Community Group Funding

The Community Group Funding Program is designed to merge the endeavors of local community groups with the Agency's commitment to revitalizing our community, removing blight, and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Pinole. The Program uses redevelopment funds to compensate local community groups for their efforts in assisting these endeavors through revitalization and beautification projects in the Redevelopment Areas.

PROGRAM BROCHURE

Program Brochure - Downloadable Program brochure provides an overview of eligibility requirements, application process, and program guidelines.

APPLICATION

Application - Downloadable Program application.

NOTE: All funds for the 2009/2010 fiscal year have been allocated, and the application deadline for the 2010/2011 has passed. Applications for the 2011/2012 fiscal year will be available in January 2011.

ACTIVITIES

There are many activities community groups can perform to assist the redevelopment effort. Examples include:

Planting trees and landscaping in public areas.
Painting public buildings.
Constructing and installing signs along public trails.
Participating in "graffiti buster" activities.
Organizing cleanup projects.
Promoting projects in the historic Old Town.

The Community Group Funding Program does not fund continuing maintenance projects.

PARTICIPATION

In order to pursue funding through the Program, interested community groups must submit an application, which will include project specifics, a budget for the number of volunteer hours, and materials costs. Applications may be downloaded here and are available at City Hall, 2131 Pear Street.

Applications will be reviewed by Redevelopment Staff to verify that the project location falls within the Redevelopment Project Area and that the proposal meets all other Program requirements.

Staff presents the application to the Redevelopment Agency Board for review and approval along with a slate of proposed projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

FUNDING

The Program provides for project materials and reimbursement for volunteer hours worked toward the completion of a project. Volunteers earn $8.00 per hour, paid to the Community Group.

To receive funds from the Community Group Funding Program, community groups must receive Agency Board approval prior to the start of their project. Projects are approved as part of the annual budget update process. Applications must be received no later than April 1 for funding during the next fiscal year (July-June). If funding is available, additional grants may be awarded throughout the year.

LOCATION

All projects must occur within a Redevelopment Project Area or substantially benefit Project Area residents.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Community Groups proposing projects must be recognized, local, nonprofit service and/or youth organization, preferably with a tax-exempt status.

PAST PROJECTS

The Community Group Funding Program has resulted in the following improvements:

Project Area Neighborhood Clean-Up
Pinole Valley High School Clean-Up
Pinole Valley High School announcers booth renovation
Christ the Lord Church grounds planting and irrigation
Bayfront Park infill planting with drought-resistant plants
Fernandez Park infill planting with drought-resistant plants
San Pablo Avenue bus stop mural
Project Area graffiti clean-up
Old Town Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pinole Youth Commission/Grizzly Grind
San Pablo Avenue hillside fencing
Old Town litter removal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information contact Leslie Carbahal of the Pinole Redevelopment Agency at lcarbahal@ci.pinole.ca.us or (510) 724-9831.