Community-Building Mini-Grant Funds

POLICY TO GUIDE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL 

COMMUNITY BUILDING MINI-GRANT FUNDS

PURPOSE:  

As part of the FY24 Municipal Budget adoption, the Orono Town Council appropriated $10,000 to be used to support the start and growth of new community projects.  This support is intended to be one-time investments in citizen-led initiatives focused on creating events, activities, and opportunities that seek to build community and pride of place in an inclusive manner that promotes an overall sense of belonging.

PROCESS: 

• A single individual or organization may submit an application, provided by the Town, for funds to purchase materials, host events, engage performers or consultants, or fund services that build lasting capacity in their idea and meet the purpose of this program.

• The event, activity, or opportunity that requested funds cannot be political or activist in nature and must focus on creating a sense of belonging among an inclusive audience in a space or manner that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• The Town of Orono is an equal opportunity employer and service provider that does not discriminate based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veteran/military status.  It is expected that all mini-grant projects, events, activities, or opportunities will follow these non-discriminatory practices.

• While all individuals who reside in Orono and organizations or groups that serve this community are eligible to apply, the Town Council will only fund those events, activities, and opportunities that further the Town’s stated goals and program purpose.

• Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis with decisions made quickly.  In general, the Town Council meets each Monday which should allow applications submitted by Tuesday to be reviewed and a decision made at the next scheduled regular Town Council or Council Committee meeting.

• Preference will be given to new initiatives and requests of $1,000 or less.

• Once an application is approved by the Orono Town Council, the applicant will work with Town staff to create an individualized plan to ensure the event, activity, or opportunity’s compliance with the Town’s operational safety and fiscal oversight procedures.  Please note that, given that it is anticipated that volunteers will be responsible for performing the work to support the funded activity, the Town will reimburse or otherwise pay for reasonable expenses and will specifically waive its procurement procedures for Town funded expenditures less than $1,000.