Looking for Interested People to Submit Ideas and Suggestions for New Entrance Projects

Please look at the details of our newest community project. We are looking at possibly applying for matching funds from the Tulsa Beautification Grant for working on the opposing entrance corners so that they will match the new signage. For years we have had to trim trees that were not pruned for many years and this labor was all voluntary. The few shrubs that have been left are not pretty nor can they be easily shaped since they have been abandoned for many years by the membership. Since the number of vlunteers have dwindled and membership has been less than lack luster we have decided to look at applying for these funds and finishing the entrances. We have gorgeous signage and want the other side to be just as breathtaking. We need ideas and suggestions as soon as we can to have our plan together by September 1, 2010. If you have suggestions for plants, trees bring them up on this blog or come to the next meeting and jot them down for us. We are looking at including some more free trees from Up With Trees to round out whatever plantings we decide to put in the other corners. Take a look at them next time you drive in and think about what you might like to see over there. We want things that can be easily trimmed and look great. Drought resistance is also a good idea as well. If you are interested in participating on the planning committee please send an email to Darlene Spears, President: sdspaears@cox.net

We are taking any and all suggestions so See you at the next meeting!!

Tulsa Beautification Grant

Please look below to find the link to the Tulsa Beautification Grant that we are considering applying for - make your comments or suggestions here for discussion. We are formulating a plan to put forth for finalization at upcoming meeting for the revitalization of our opposing entrances on the north corner of the entrance on 78th Street and the south corner of the south entrance on 78th Place. So be thinking of what plants, ideas or suggestions you have for those two areas!


www.cityoftulsa.org/neighborhoods

Here is a blurb taken from the website to give you a taste of what we are thinking of applying for:


WHAT IS THE TULSA BEAUTIFICATION FOUNDATION MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM?
The program, sponsored by Tulsa Beautification Foundation (TBF), is designed to assist neighborhood and homeowners' associations registered with the City of Tulsa or registered non-profit organizations. Grants will fund various beautification projects by providing a dollar-for-dollar match for other locally-raised funds. A specific project should give neighborhood-based and charitable organizations incentive to raise funds, build partnerships with businesses, and cultivate the spirit of volunteerism and community support needed to complete a project. This process is designed to help groups complete a project dedicated not only to the improvement of their own lives, but also to the improvement of quality of life for all of Tulsa.

Proposed projects must:

* Improve/beautify a city neighborhood or public space through a physical improvement
* Involve neighborhood and community residents
* Have long-standing, sustainable benefits
* Have all necessary plans before starting improvements; and
* Provide a maintenance plan for the upkeep of the completed project.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
Your organization is eligible to participate in the program if it meets the following criteria:

* Is a neighborhood/homeowners association registered with the City of Tulsa or a registered non-profit organization
* Is located within the Tulsa city limits

Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to submit an application, but eligible organizations are encouraged to generate support and partner with them in planning and completing a project.

HOW DOES THE MATCH WORK?
TBF will match dollar for dollar ($1:$1) the funds raised by a grantee organization. As a part of the matching requirement, volunteer hours, valued at $16.19/hour, may account for up to 35 percent of the match by the applicant organization. In addition, donated materials and donated professional services to complete the project may be used in calculating the applicant match.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS CAN BE FUNDED AND WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS?
The program helps pay for physical improvements that provide tangible benefits to the community outside of just aesthetic improvements. The program will not pay for on-going operation or maintenance, such as upkeep of landscaping or repairs to monument signs. The applicant organization must identify how the organization will fund and maintain the project in the future. In addition, work conducted by a professional contractor is discouraged unless otherwise necessary. However, if a professional contractor is used, three (3) bids for services must be included with this application.

Projects may require permits or permissions from the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Parks Department and/or utilities companies if located in a public park, right of away, etc. Depending on the project, there may be additional requirements as well. While it is the applicant organization's responsibility to check on all requirements for their particular project, TBF staff will help to facilitate meeting(s) with the appropriate permitting agency as needed. Winning grant applications will be reviewed by the City of Tulsa's Development Services to ensure the application includes proper planning to obtain all the necessary permits and permissions if applicable before beginning the project. Therefore, a project will be subject to inspection by the City and/or the Parks Department to ensure the work is compliant with the permitting requirements.

HOW TO APPLY
The application must be filled out with information about the organization and a project description.

Download the complete packet and application

WHEN MAY PROJECTS BE STARTED AND WHAT IS THE PROJECT COMPLETION DATE?
In order to take advantage of this program, a project may be started only after the application has been approved by TBF. An application will only be considered if it is completed fully and all of the required, applicable documentation is attached. The Fall 2010 application must be postmarked or emailed by September 1st, 2010. All project work should be completed within approximately ninety (90) days after receiving notification as an awarded applicant. Project deadlines may be extended on a case by case basis upon request to TBF.

HOW ARE FUNDS DISBURSED TO GRANTEES?
The organization's grant application must be approved by TBF's grant committee. An approved application serves as a notice to the organization to proceed with the project. Once the project is completed, the City will conduct an inspection to verify the work. When verification is finished and a complete itemized list of expenses with receipts/invoices is submitted, the matching grant reimbursement to the organization will be processed. Reimbursements in full amount of the approved matching funds will be made within 30 calendar days of inspection and final approval. No reimbursements for eligible expenses will be made if such expenses occur before an application is approved by the TBF grant committee.