Are you a part of a registered neighborhood organization or community group based in Central Denver's District 10?
Well, Councilmember Chris Hinds may have some funding available to help throw that block party, fix that newsletter, paint a crosswalk or clean up some trash.
Hinds is implementing a Community Benefit Fund in the district that will provide financial support to community-based groups.
Through the program, which comes out of District 10's budget, groups can apply for up to $2,500 that will go toward community-benefiting projects such as neighborhood beautification and safety concerns, increasing civic engagement or cultivating community building.
The program is similar to Councilmember Paul Kashmann's District 6 Community Benefit Fund, which he started last year. A major difference is that Kashmann's program is focused on RNOs.
"We specifically didn't say RNOs on purpose because while registered neighborhood organizations are in ordinance, that isn't the only way we get outreach from the community," Hinds said. "Homeowners associations will reach out. Some people take it upon themselves to circulate petitions as an example."
Hinds said the program is something he's wanted to implement for quite some time but for budgetary reasons was unable to. Now with the resources available and with the success shown in Kashmann's district, Hinds is ready to start doling out the cash, reasonably.
He added that the goal of the program is to essentially provide gap funding to these groups.
"We wanted to expand our thought process of what a community benefit would be," Hinds said.
Some groups have already reached out to Hinds. For example, the Golden Triangle Creative District would like funding for litter abatement and graffiti removal. Teller Elementary School also reached out and is looking for funding to paint crosswalks around the schools with paw prints to show school pride but also to increase safety.
Hinds said the money can go toward important projects like these, especially if it's something the community has been asking for for quite some time. But the money can also go towards newsletter fixes and increasing engagement for meetings.
Hinds said in the future, he'd like to continue to provide support to community groups mainly because they are an essential part of the city's connectivity.
Some examples include creating collective Mailchimp or Zoom accounts, providing stipends for volunteers, making sure that groups have a place to meet, and providing food and childcare during meetings. These simple things could be big barriers for some organizations and participants.
Funds are limited. To qualify, groups must have a W-9 and "demonstrate community support." Hinds said the application process is straightforward and simple so as to not include any additional barriers to groups.
It's due by Nov. 15 and the funding may be issued by December.
