Commissioner's Corner: Helpful little-known grant programs

Orange County government performs a wide variety functions on a daily basis. Many of these functions — road construction and maintenance, zoning, code enforcement, solid waste disposal or animal services — are well known to the public. However, Orange County Government has many lesser known programs and services available for both individuals and communities. This article will be the first of two highlighting some of these programs that may be of assistance to your community.

One such program is the Sustainable Communities Grant. This grant is designed for communities attempting to reduce pollution output. Grants are available for projects valued between $500 and $5,000. Grant funding can be used for projects such as lighting, watering, community gardens, electricity generation, and pollution reduction. Gated communities and condominium communities may use grant funds for entranceway improvements abutting major streets. Neighborhoods are encouraged to be creative in coming up with projects tailored to their specific community and resident participation is required to complete the project. Neighborhoods are also encouraged to host events educating community members about energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and green and sustainable practices.

Another program you may be interested in is the Crime Prevention Grant. These grants are available to neighborhood organizations, homeowner’s associations, neighborhood councils, or non-profit organizations that partner with neighborhoods. The intent of the Crime Prevention Grant program is to provide funding for neighborhood-driven projects that reduce crime and increase safety. Grants are available for projects ranging in cost from $500 to $10,000. All grant recipients must provide a match of 10 percent of total project costs. The matching funds requirement will be waived if the application includes a letter of support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Examples of projects eligible for Crime Prevention Grant funding include senior safety, youth safety, volunteer patrol programs, National Night Out celebrations, security materials, and resident training.

A third program is the Orange County Neighborhood Entranceway Grant Program. This grant provides funding to neighborhood organizations and homeowner associations for physical and aesthetic improvements to their community. Grant funding is available for projects costing between $500 and $5,000. Projects receiving grant funding require a community contribution, which is equal to a percentage of the grant request. Total project costs must not exceed $5,250. Grant funding may be used for projects such as entranceway signs and improvements, fence and wall pressure washing and painting, entrance features not classified as a perimeter wall, ground lighting repair, repairs to existing irrigation systems, and cosmetic repairs such as minor caulking, and stucco work.

Orange County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its residents. If you or your neighborhood has questions about eligibility for these grants or would like to apply, contact Orange County Neighborhood Services at 407-836-5606. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any these county programs or any other issue facing Orange County, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff, Edgar Robinson and Lynette Rummel. We can be reached at 407-836-7350 or by email and [email protected].