Most city councils recognize that reinvesting some of the money they receive in property taxes from their citizens back into the community is a smart move for everyone. Generally most of the money goes into parks and infrastructure rather than purchasing new windows and doors in Toronto for private homes in need of repair, but sometimes there will be a neighborhood level program to help out home owners and small scale projects. See what your potential new home city is offering before you move to see if you can use it to your advantage. If it's Boise, Idaho that you're considering moving to, you will potentially have access to grants through the Neighborhood Reinvestment and Grant Program.

What is the Neighborhood Reinvestment and Grant Program?

The Neighborhood Reinvestment and Grant Program is a portal through which small projects can get access to city funding. The impetus behind the program is to improve both the look of the community and give it a distinct character. Projects funded through the grant program are meant to bring citizens closer to one another than if their tax money was simply invested in real estate in Riverdale, Toronto then used to pay for snow removal or pothole repair.

Who is running the program?

The Neighborhood Reinvestment and Grant Program is run jointly between the City of Boise and its registered neighborhood associations. If you owned Moore Park, Toronto real estate you couldn't pitch a project to the grant committee unless it was designed to improve life in one of Toronto's neighborhoods. There are 38 distinct neighborhood associations in Boise, so check the city of Boise website to see which one your home belongs to.

What sorts of projects have been funded?

The grant program has been in operation for over twenty years, and in that time many improvement and construction projects have benefited from it. The money given out since the program's inception could buy several ajax condos for sale. Some of the initiatives that have benefited include public art projects, street light installation, park improvements, putting up signage on walking trails, erecting monuments, paving alleyways, creating paths and sidewalks, constructing play grounds, landscaping public lands, and building an amphitheater.

How can I apply?

Applications for the grant program are available online though the City of Boise website. Mini grants under $2,000 for small projects (for instance replacing the modern bathroom vanity in a park washroom) don't require a letter of intent, but for larger grants a lengthy application process must be completed to ensure your project is properly planned and budgeted. As much as $500,000 per year is given out, with some projects costing upwards of $75,000, so apply early. The city attempts to distribute grant money fairly among communities.