Mayor Brown Extends Deadline For Livable Communities Grant Program

Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced the Mayor’s Division of Citizen Services will continue to accept applications for funding through the Mayor’s Livable Communities Grant Program until April 3rd. The Program is funded through the City Of Buffalo, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) and the Citizens’ Bank Foundation.

“This program is designed to help our city’s block clubs and community organizations,” said Mayor Brown.  “Any group who wants to apply for funding must show us that they are serious about improving their neighborhood with projects such as planting a community garden, organizing a clean up, or painting a mural.  There are several projects groups can take on to make their neighborhoods a better place to live, and I am pleased the city can be a part of this continued transformation.”

Any Block Club or Civic/Citizens association located in the City of Buffalo, New York are eligible for funding, however, priority will be given to grassroots Community-Based Organizations (CBO) or Block Clubs whose mission is related to improving the city’s neighborhoods. With additional funding from Citizens’ Bank Foundation, the City of Buffalo is able to expand the program to all areas of the city. “I am extremely pleased Citizens’ Bank Foundation has partnered with the City of Buffalo to help aid neighborhood revitalization efforts’, stated Mayor Brown. “Through this collaboration, we are able to assist neighborhoods city-wide with beautification efforts.”

A workshop will be offered for those interested in applying for the grants on March 4th at 6:00 PM at the Belmont Shelter Corporation offices.  “The Division of Citizen Services wants all groups interested in a grant to have a chance to be approved,” said Oswaldo Mestre, Jr., Director of the Division of Citizen Services. “That is why we are offering a technical assistance workshop to those who are interested in applying for the grant.  The workshop will address questions such as how to fill out an application, the definition of a target area, ideas for projects, and volunteer assistance for projects to be completed in the community.”

First preference will be given to projects located in one of the thirteen targeted Livable Communities neighborhoods: Black Rock, Grant-Ferry, Lakeview, Cold Springs, Hamlin Park, Masten Park, Medical Park, Broadway-Fillmore, Schiller Park, Leroy, Seneca, Cazenovia Park, and Triangle. The application deadline has been extended to April 3rd.

Grants range from $100 to $5,000 ($7,500 within the targeted 13 Livable Communities neighborhoods.) Rules regarding the application process and eligibility are available in the Division of Citizen Services, Room 218 City Hall, or on-line at www.city-buffalo.com.