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Community Engagement Mini-Grants Spring 2025 

Get Involved and Make a Difference

The Community Engagement Mini-Grants provide flexible funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support community-led projects that strengthen relationships and engagement within Durham communities. These grants are designed to help grow and support projects that are making a positive impact.

Key Dates

• • ・Pre-Qualification Opens: December 16, 2024 
  • ・Interest Session: January 9, 2025 
  • ・Pre-Qualification Deadline: January 24, 2025 
  • ・Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 
  • ・Grantee Selection: February 2025 
  • ・Orientation & Contracts: March 2025 
  • ・Projects Start: April 2025 

How to Apply

1. Complete the Pre-Qualification Form (First Step) 

   This quick, 5-minute form verifies that you: 

   • Live in or are part of the community you want to serve. 
   • • • For geographic communities, this means living in the neighborhood. 
     • • For demographic communities, this means identifying with the group (e.g., race, age, ability). 
   • Have two community contacts connected to the same community. 

   📌 Important: Only those who complete this step will get the link to the full grant application. The sooner you submit it, the sooner we can send you the application! 

   [📜Submit Pre-Qualification Form] 

2. Attend the Interest Session (Optional but Recommended) 

   Want to increase your chances of getting funded? Join our online session to: 

   • ✨Learn tips for creating a strong application. 
   • ✨Hear about successful past projects. 
   • ✨Ask questions directly to our team. 

   📅 Date: January 9, 2025 

   ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 

   📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided after registration) 

   [Register for the Interest Session] 

   [The Interest Session slide is available here]

3. Review Grant Guidelines

   Be sure to read the 📜Grant Guidelines carefully before submitting your application.

4. Submit Your Application 

   After pre-qualification, you’ll receive the link to the full application. Complete the online application form in English or Spanish by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM

Resources to Help You

To assist you through the application process, we provide helpful resources:

• ・Sample Budget Template
• ・Sample Event Planning Template

These templates and examples are designed to ensure you have all the necessary information and tools to complete your application successfully.

Who Can Apply 

You are eligible if: 

• ・You live in or are deeply connected to the community you want to serve. 
• ・You’ve completed the pre-qualification process. 

📌 If you don’t have a bank account, you can partner with a fiscal sponsor to manage funds for you. 

What Projects Do We Fund? 

We support a variety of projects that build community connections and create positive change. Examples include: 

• ・Community Outreach: Informing and involving residents through campaigns or events. 
• ・Educational Workshops: Leadership training, skill-building, or resource-sharing sessions. 
• ・Small Physical Improvements: Projects like gardens or benches (with property owner permission). 

These are just examples—unique ideas are encouraged! For more inspiration, see the [Grant Guidelines].

Funding and Reporting 

Grant funds are distributed in two payments: 

1. Most of the funding upfront to get your project started. 
2. The remainder after you submit a final report. 

Grantees will need to submit: 

• ・A mid-term report to share progress. 
• ・A final report summarizing results and how funds were used. 

📌 Templates and guidance will be provided to make reporting simple. 

Why Apply Early? 

Completing the Pre-Qualification Form early ensures you’ll get the grant application link sooner, giving you more time to work on your submission. 

About the Grants

These mini-grants are designed to increase community engagement and outreach. Learn more about the program and our previous recipients:

• Learn about past grants and recipients.

Empowering Communities

The Community Engagement Mini-Grants program empowers residents to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact. With funding and support, participants have overcome challenges, fostered collaboration, and created inspiring projects that leave a legacy of progress in Durham.

Accessibility and Support 

We’re here to help make this process simple and accessible for everyone. 

• ・Materials are available in English and Spanish. 
• ・Translation or accommodations are available upon request. 
• ・Our team is here to support you with questions or the application process. 

📧 Email: [email protected] 

☎️ Phone: 919.560.1647