Community organizers looking for a little extra lift in a particular project might want to contact a Realtor nearby. Once again the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors will be offering grants to community and/or neighborhood organizations for creating small, inexpensive, and incremental community projects. The projects should foster activities that can help to improve a neighborhood and make it a better place to live, work, and play. The Association’s grant program is called “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Placemaking Challenge”.
The grants being offered will be funded through the National Association of Realtors Placemaking Initiative Program. The funding for a project ranges from $500 up to $5000, and there will be two grants available. The amount could be a portion of or, in fact be the total cost for, the project. The National Association of Realtors holds the final approval vote for the grant amount and acceptance of the project.
The Southwestern Michigan Association (SWMAR) will be accepting applications for the grants from February 6th through February 24th of 2017. The grant application and more information about the types of projects that could be funded can be found at www.swmar.com , under the General Info tab – 2017 LQC Placemaking.
The grant application must describe the project and have a local Realtor as a sponsor for it and must include a “before” photo of the space to be improved. The first project must be completed by June 1, 2017. The second project approved must be completed by September 30, 2017. All project applications will be reviewed and grant awardees will be announced no later than March 20, 2017.
In 2016, SWMAR awarded grants to two area groups for very unique projects. The Bailey Museum, located in South Haven, received a $1,300 grant to complete a signage project that highlights the living collections of plants that are the legacy of Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey, the father of American horticulture. The signs were designed by the volunteer museum staff and allow visitors to wander the gardens and interpret the plant collections on a self-guided tour. With signs that give the Latin and English names and descriptions, guests are able to wander the gardens anytime and learn the historical value and accomplishments of Dr. Bailey.
The second grant for $2,600 was awarded to the Village of Cassopolis Main Street Association to help complete a Stone Lake Seating project. The grant funds were used to purchase material to create the seating area located on the eastern shore of Stone Lake adjacent to the Log Cabin Park and just below the bluff level pavilion. Previously, the location was used for fishing and swimming but did not have amenities. In addition to the permanent seating, the project added outdoor cooking fixtures, fire pits, and trash receptacles to make the area attractive for families, the community, and visitors to enjoy year round. Lighting fixtures were added to the underside of the pavilion so the area lighted for evening use.
Some other examples of projects that have received grants in other states are community gardens, pedestrian plazas, play grounds, dog parks, trails, and alley activation as a gathering place.
If you have any questions about this grant program, you should contact the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors at 269-983-6375.
The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, Inc. is a professional trade association for real estate licensees and ancillary service providers for the real estate industry in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. The Association is located at 3123 Lake Shore Drive in St. Joseph.