Neighborhoods can apply for Hillsborough mini-grant

Applications are being accepted from neighborhood associations interested in obtaining up to a $2,500 Hillsborough County mini-grant.

They are available through the Hillsborough County Office of Neighborhood Relations and online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/onr .

Mini-grants are available to fund community projects in neighborhoods within unincorporated areas within Hillsborough County. Grants are also available for tree-planting, low-irrigation projects and clean-up.

Examples of previous grant-funded projects are shrub and flower planting, subdivision entrance signs, playground equipment, neighborhood festivals, crime watch programs, Web sites, newsletters and education activities.

Applications will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Committee and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Recipients will be notified by Nov. 30. Only one grant will be awarded per qualified neighborhood association.

Neighborhood associations interested in applying for a mini-grant must attend an orientation class.

Upcoming orientation classes will take place July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town N' Country Commons Public Library, 7606 Paula Drive, in Tampa; July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road; July 21 at 10 a.m. at the SouthShore Regional Service Center, 410 30th St. S.E., in Ruskin; July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, in Tampa.

ONR staff will explain the application process, grant criteria, qualifying projects and answer questions.

Mini-grant applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Aug. 13. They can be dropped off or mailed (must be postmarked on or before Aug. 13) to: Office of Neighborhood Relations, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., First Floor, Tampa, FL 33602, or they can be faxed to (813) 276-2621.

The Mini-Grant Program was established in 1988 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to improve and revitalize communities and strengthen neighborhood associations.

The ONR serves as a liaison between neighborhood associations and county departments. For information, call (813) 272-5860 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/onr .