Beardsley Neighborhood Curb Appeal Micro Grants

We are pleased to announce the establishment of a new trial granting program, Beardsley Neighborhood Curb Appeal Micro Grants. This is designed as a 2-year test trial grant program beginning April 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. This is the FIRST public grant issuing program by the Ruthmere Foundation since the creation of this private operating foundation, and we believe that it is most appropriate to have this first grant initiative support our immediate neighborhood.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
Elkhart property owners and residents for properties INSIDE the yellow boundary line of the map below. 

It is important that all eligible parties understand that rental residents are allowed to make applications for these grants, but the property owners are required to sign the grant acceptance agreement before grant money is awarded.  Note, the boundaries of the "Beardsley Neighborhood" is an arbitrary definition developed by the Ruthmere Foundation, and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Foundation.  

What Can These Grants Be Used For?
As the name implies, these grants are intended to be used to enhance the "curb appeal" or the "street front" areas of properties within the Beardsley Neighborhood.  The purpose behind this requirement is so that the funded improvement can be for the benefit of not just the property owner and resident, but for the benefit of the ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Good ideas include landscape improvements such as fixing/painting porches, address number signs, doors and windows or siding remodeling, planting flowers, hardscapes or water features, driveways and walkways, even something as simple as installing a new flag or banner bracket along with the expense of the flag you intend to hang.  If you have a creative new idea, we will be happy to consider it.  It's worth repeating, this improvement MUST be located on the street frontage side (or sides if located on a corner) of the property to be eligible.

Grants will not be awarded for non-visible improvements such as but not limited to: interior improvements, purchase of appliances, plumbing, heating/cooling mechanical systems, eco-friendly or energy saving equipment designed to improve functionality or utility costs such as solar or geothermal systems, exterior improvements not readily visible to or impacting the street front side of the property.  We also discourage applications for expensive projects that may have short term benefits, but long term maintenance costs such as irrigation systems. 

How Much Will These Grants Be and When Will It Be Paid?
Until we have the donation pool in place, we cannot yet answer this question.  We anticipate that these micro grants will be in the $300-$500 range, but at this point that is an unsubstantiated estimate and is subject to change.  You will receive 50% of your grant at the time of the award announcement, and the remaining 50% upon successful completion of the project and submission of the completion report.

How Easy Will the Application Process Be?
In two words--VERY EASY!   The application itself will be very short and must include a "before photo(s)" to show the current appearance along with a description of your improvement and a price estimate.   If you are a renter applicant, we will require that your property owner sign off on the proposal before the grant is awarded.  After you have completed your project, you will be asked to submit a short final report including "after photos" as well as a copies of receipts for materials expenses or contracted services paid for by the grant.  That's it!  You will be given your remaining 50% once the review committee accepts your final report.

Schedule for 2023-2025 Beardsley Neighborhood Curb Appeal Micro Grants
*4/1/2023 - Program Launch at Beardsley Neighborhood Day - Collection of community donations and solicitation of partner granting foundations begins.  These monies are collected throughout 2023 to generate the grant pool to be awarded in 2024.

*12/31/2023 - Closing of first year solicitations ends.  Ruthmere Foundation matches all raised dollars 1 to 1, hence doubling the available pool of grant money to be awarded in 2024.  The entirety of this grant pool will be expended in 2024.

*1/1/2024 - Applications are open for land owners and residents to submit proposals for use of grant pool money. 

*2/28/2024 - Application deadline for consideration for 2024 grant proposals.

*3/1/2024 - Collection of community donations and solicitation of partner granting foundations begins for 2025 grants.  These monies are collected throughout 2024 to generate the grant pool to be awarded in 2025.

*4/1/2024 - 2024 Beardsley Neighborhood Micro Grant Awards announced.

*4/2/2024 to 11/30/2024 - Grant projects are completed by applicants and expense reports are due immediately upon project completion.  All 2024 funded projects must be competed by 11/30/2024. 

*12/31/2024 - Closing of second year solicitations ends.  Ruthmere Foundation matches all raised dollars 1 to 1, hence doubling the available pool of grant money to be awarded in 2025.  The entirety of this grant pool will be expended in 2025.

*1/1/2025 - Applications are open for applicants to submit proposals for use of grant pool money. 

*2/28/2025 - Application deadline for consideration for 2025 grant proposals.

*4/1/2025 - 2025 Beardsley Neighborhood Micro Grant Awards announced.

*4/2/2025 to 11/30/2025 - Grant projects are completed by applicants and expense reports are due immediately upon completion.  All 2025 funded projects must be completed by 11/30/2025.  

How Do I Donate to this Grant Program?
To make a donation to the Beardsley Neighborhood Curb Appeal Micro Grant Program, simply fill out the online donation form below and type "Neighborhood Grants" in the Comment box.  Thank you!!