NSC Partners and the CSX VAT Community Mitigation Fund Committee announce the criteria for grant applications.
Who is the Committee:
They are the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Community Mitigation Fund Committee.
The committee is composed of volunteers who reside or work in ANC 6B and 6D. The members were selected from applications submitted to the Board of the Near Southeast Community Partners, a 501(c)3 organization devoted to the enhancement of the community, for their commitment, experience, and history in the community. Near Southeast Community Partners is the fiscal agent and administrator of the CSX Community Mitigation Funds. The committee reflects the variety of voices in the community.
Committee Mission Statement:
The CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Community Mitigation Fund Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals and awarding grants to projects that enhance the community impacted by the Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project in ANC 6B and ANC 6D to offset temporary inconvenience caused by construction.
Grants are awarded in several categories, including but not limited to: neighborhood beautification/infrastructure, arts/culture, schools/education, social services, and community development.
When evaluating requests, the Committee will strive to maintain a balance of need, geography, greatest positive impact and resource improvements in the community.
Applying for a Grant:
Please review the guidelines and determine if your organization is eligible to compete for funds. Applications may be completed on line or by mail.
Complete the application and submit by the deadline (established per phase) along with supporting documents.
NSCP and The CSX Mitigation Fund Committee welcome your questions and comments. Please call our office at 202-888-3585 or email us at info@nscpartners.org.
The committee will evaluate applications using the following:
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Program/project positive impact on the community—the targeted outcomes of the project.
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Addressing a significant need affecting a broad segment of the area’s population or special populations.
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Feasibility of program/project to be completed as proposed, on time, and within budget.
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Community support from other organization (letters of support) and/or leveraging of other funding through the use of matching grants.
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Demonstrate the capacity to use the grant responsibly using good administrative and financial management.
ELIGIBLITY CRITERIA:
1. Who is eligible to apply?The committee considers grant applications from organizations that: -
Have a charitable status under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; are a public entity or other charitable, educational or cultural organization; or Have a fiscal sponsor with 501 (c) status.
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Provide programs and services to the area encompassed by ANC 6B and ANC 6D which show evidence of community need and support.
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Any applicant not selected for an award shall have the right to re-submit an application in a later phase, unless denied as a result of not meeting the terms & conditions or outside of the radius.
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Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants who miss the deadline may apply during the next open grant phase (except the final phase).Note: A portion of the Mitigation Funds may be given to individuals who wish to apply for a grant to mitigate a temporary inconvenience caused by the CSX Tunnel Project. (Applications for compensation for temporary inconvenience cannot exceed the individual payment amounts provided under the Front Row Residences RPM Program.)
Not Eligible: In accordance with the Record of Decision, Front Row residents and residents in the Arthur Capper Senior Apartments are not eligible for funds from the Supplemental Community Mitigation Fund (see page 31 of the Record of Decision for additional details).
2. What is the range of grants?The Mitigation Fund is $650,000.
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Six (6) grant phases are planned on a biannual basis over the next three (3) years.
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The total amount of grants given in each grant cycle will be approximately $108,000.
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While there is no limitation on the dollar amount of a grant request, applicants should be mindful that the committee will work to balance the grant awards geographically and across several broad categories, and will consider the number of people positively impacted by the grant.3. What does the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Mitigation Fund Committee fund?The CSX Mitigation Fund Committee considers and funds applications in these broad categories, but not limited to:
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Beautification/infrastructure,
arts/culture, schools/education, social services, and community development favoring permanent improvements or programs that benefit a variety of residents or groups that reside near the construction area. 4. What does the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Mitigation Fund Committee NOT fund?Grants will NOT be considered for: -
Fundraisers; block parties or other one-time events; home renovation due to project (noise, etc.); political campaigns; deficit reduction or general operating expenses of an organization.
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Applications cannot duplicate activities, programs or benefits that are being provided by or are similar to mitigation measures identified in the Record of Decision.
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The committee does not support organizations on an ongoing basis, preferring to distribute its currently limited funds among many organizations.5. Once grants are awarded, how will funds be distributed?
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Based on the scope of the project, grants may be distributed to the awarded organizations in one lump sum or in installments determined by the committee and the grant request.Evaluation Criteria of Applicants:The committee will evaluate applicants using the following:
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The area covered by the grant.
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Positive impact on the community—the targeted outcomes of the project.
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Timeliness of impact.
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Extent of community need addressed.
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Feasibility of the program/project to be completed as proposed, on time, and within budget.
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Community support (letters of support), support from other organizations and/or leveraging of other funding through the use of matching grants.
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Demonstrated capacity to use the grant funds responsibly using good administrative and financial management.
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Good standing on previously awarded grants.
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The committee decisions are final