ELEVATE UPSTATE invites grant proposals for community vibrancy projects

Application deadline is September 15.

Ten at the Top, an organization created to foster collaboration and partnerships across the Upstate, is accepting applications for its ELEVATE UPSTATE grants program. The initiative will award two grants of up to  $5,000 for programs that promote community and economic vibrancy in local areas across the Upstate.

Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, civic or community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations or local governments that are committed to developing and implementing programs designed to increase local vibrancy in Upstate communities. Applicants must be located in and do their work within communities in one of the 10 Upstate counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Gaffney, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg or Union.

Proposals may seek to produce a physical result, such as a mural, sculpture or signage that will increase the vibrancy and sense of place within a community, or implement the first of a recurring or annual event or program that helps grow vibrancy within a community.

The ELEVATE UPSTATE Community Vibrancy Grant Program was started in 2013 by local developer Phil Hughes and Hughes Investments. In 2013 three grants were awarded for programs designed to increase local vibrancy and sense of place in Seneca, Anderson and Greer. For 2014, two grants, each for up to $5,000, will be awarded.

Ten at the Top requests that those who plan to submit applications confirm their commitment of interest by August 1, 2014. The final deadline for proposal submissions will be September 15, 2014. The recipients of the 2014 ELEVATE UPSTATE Grants will be announced at the 2014 final forum for Ten at the Top in November.

Visit the Ten at the Top website for more information or to apply. Examples of community vibrancy projects are available on the website in the Great Ideas for Community Vibrancy booklet.

Via: Ten at the Top