About the fund
The Equitable Engagement Fund will support projects and programs, including outreach projects and engagement activities, that engage communities throughout the city with a focus on equity. This funding program is an opportunity for neighborhood organizations to try new techniques, develop new strategies, think outside the box and break from how things have always been done.
The goal of this funding program is for every neighborhood organization to engage historically underrepresented residents meaningfully and effectively. Residents should be able to access information, raise important issues and participate in civic decision-making at the local level.
A successful organization will:
- Carry out varied and documented engagement activities
- Meaningfully engage all residents about major activities
- Meaningfully engage historically under-engaged groups, such as renters, communities of color, low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and people with disabilities, thus expanding participation in the organization
- Include diverse communities in the organization’s decision-making processes
- Maintain an up-to-date website or social media presence
Eligible organizations
Recognized Citywide Neighborhood Network Fund supported neighborhood organizations.
Eligible expenses and activities
The following is a non-exhaustive list of eligible expenses:
- Project-related expenses
- Program administration related to engagement activities
- Program or engagement staff time
- Consultant and speaker fees
- Translation and interpretation
- Printing
- Postage
- Website and social media costs
- Capital expenses related to a project or program
- Space rental if it is related to a program expense
Food is not currently an eligible expense under policy, but this policy may change.
If you have a question about an expense, please contact your assigned neighborhood specialist.
Grant amounts
Neighborhood funding allocations will be given annually according to the Equitable Engagement Fund formula. This formula is designed to promote equity and is based on the most recent data about cost-burdened households, areas of concentrated poverty and neighborhood gentrification.