You can download and print a copy of the RFP by clicking on the link below:
Empower Lewiston is the non-profit organization established in 1999 when the two downtown census tracts, census tracts 201 & 204, received the federal designation of a USDA Round II Enterprise Community due to the high rates of poverty and the need for economic development. As of December 24, 2008, our federal designation officially ends with an additional year to utilize our remaining USDA funding for the benefit of our Enterprise Community.
In our ten years, we have supported the creation of public spaces such as the B Street Community Center, the Marsden Hartley Cultural Center, Museum L/A, and the Kennedy Park Skate Park; the development of entities such as Outsource Works, a budding social enterprise dedicated to providing a flexible alternative work setting for downtown residents, and Lots to Gardens, now a successful community gardening, neighborhood beautification and youth leadership program; and partnerships dedicated to advancing the personal goals of individuals through the teamwork of the L-A CA$H Coalition, Casey’s Rural Family Economic Success Initiative, College for ME-Androscoggin, Coastal Enterprises IDA Home Ownership Program and the Downtown Education Collaborative.
We recently completed the Downtown Neighborhood Action Plan with other members of the City’s Downtown Neighborhood Task Force. This plan which incorporates many elements of Empower Lewiston’s Strategic Plan is now before City Councilors. Proposals that address the goals and objectives of “The Third Place”, the Downtown Neighborhood Action Plan will be given priority. The plan can be accessed at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/development/dntf/dntf-files/DNTF-ActionPlan02-2009.pdf
We will give priority to proposals that:
· Build and strengthen community capacity.
· Promote community resident participation and engagement.
· Foster collaboration among different community agencies, businesses, neighborhood groups and/or City government.
· Reflect a comprehensive approach to community concerns.
· Leverage other funding and resources.
· Demonstrate a well-planned long-term sustainability plan.
· Can serve as models for a wider audience of community entities.
Grant Guidelines
Following is Empower Lewiston’s grant making program, eligibility criteria, and the procedures to follow in submitting your proposal. Please review these guidelines and the application process carefully and submit your proposal in the requested format.
Proposals MUST be for the benefit of downtown Lewiston and its residents.
Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must be a non-profit corporation with proof of 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Ineligible Uses: Capital building projects, lobbying or religious purposes. As Empower Lewiston grants are made available through the USDA Federal EZ/EC program, Empower Lewiston funding may not be used as a match for other federal funding.
Grant Awards: $25,000 or under for new proposals. $15,000 or under for successful applicants of earlier round for the same project/proposal. For maximum community benefit, please request funding amount at level truly needed for proposal rather than simply request what’s the maximum available. Budget justification will be carefully reviewed.
Proposal Copies & Deadline: Please submit 15 COPIES with paper or binder clips for ease of copying. NO STAPLES. Please add proposal title and page number on headers and/or footers. All grant proposals must be received by 5 PM at Empower Lewiston, 57 Birch St. , Lewiston, ME 04240 by July 1, 2009. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any questions, please call us at 777-5144. Awards will be announced by July 24, 2009.
Reporting: Successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly reports.
SPECIAL NOTE: All Empower Lewiston awarded funding will need to be expended by December 31, 2009.
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