2016 CommunityWINS Grant Program

Posted by United States Conference of Mayors on February 1, 2016

U.S. Conference of Mayors Announces 2016 CommunityWINS Grant Program

The United States Conference of Mayors, in partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, has announced a call for nominations for the 2016 CommunityWINS grant program.

Launched in 2015 with a $3 million investment from Wells Fargo, the three-year program focuses on accelerating neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and job creation in municipalities across the country. In 2016, the program will award a total of $1 million in grants to six nonprofits located in large cities (population greater than 250,000), medium-sized cities (75,000 – 250,000), and small cities (under 75,000). Awards must be used within a year, except for projects that have secured funding from other sources, in which case the deadline for fund spenddown is two years.

USCM member cities can nominate up to three nonprofit initiatives that address one or more of the following issues:

1) Neighborhood stabilization: Projects designed to stimulate growth and stability, remove blight, and promote rebuilding.

2) Economic development: Projects designed to encourage business development.

3) Job creation: Projects designed to aid in local job creation or assist in job training.

To be eligible, nonprofits must be considered tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and hold membership in the United States Conference of Mayors.

In addition, all programs must involve collaboration between the mayor’s office and a nonprofit, including programs with additional partners in the private sector, community groups, and other sectors. Mayors and nonprofits must submit the online application form together. Winning proposals require the mayor to attend or send a designee to USCM’s 2016 annual meeting in Indianapolis.

See the USCM website for complete program guidelines and nomination instructions.

DEADLINE: MARCH 18, 2016

http://www.usmayors.org/communitywins/