ECHO Housing Corporation’s initiative Jacobsville Join In, announces a second round of early action grants is available for the Jacobsville neighborhood. Jacobsville Join In (JJI) is a quality of life planning project to develop residents’ and stakeholders’ vision and goals for the Jacobsville neighborhood, and to create a plan that can be used to leverage resources, including funding, to implement the vision for the neighborhood.
The capital ($5,000) for the early action grant funding comes from support of Jacobsville Join In through a grant received last year through the Vectren Foundation. The purpose for the early action grants are to build on the quality of life process taking place now in Jacobsville. Grant projects may include a wide range of themes, from community gardens or greenscapes; organized events, such as litter cleanups or block parties; or forming organized groups like a neighborhood crime watch.
Jacobsville residents and stakeholders’ are eligible to apply for early action grants beginning February 5, 2014. Grants will be awarded for a minimum $250 up to $1,000 total for projects. Projects should engage and bring together residents and stakeholders throughout the Jacobsville neighborhood.
“Early actions are opportunities for small improvements that demonstrate progress. Any project that could help improve the neighborhood should be submitted. Now is the time to be creative…think outside of the box, and submit ideas,†said Jennifer Mason, Jacobsville Join In Community Mobilizer.
In 2013, JJI awarded grant funds totaling $5,071 to implement early action projects in the Jacobsville neighborhood. Eight organizations were awarded $250 up to $1,000 per project.
Project proposals were asked to incorporate four goals to benefit the neighborhood which comprise of, having an immediate impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood; involving a diverse representation of residents and stakeholders; building collaboration among neighborhood organizations and businesses; and building a foundation for future impact through the Jacobsville Join In process. The funded projects included:
 Jacobsville Area Community Corporation’s North Main Christmas Parade banners  Community One, Inc. exterior improvements for two homes located in Jacobsville
-more-
 Throw Your Worries Away & One Life West “Flower Power†neighborhood event at
Jacobsville Park
ï‚· Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association communication efforts to foster neighborhood relationships
ï‚· Jacobsville Join In neighborhood litter cleanup
ï‚· Lucas Place Shining Stars art show benefit at Jacobsville Park
 Deaconess Family Medicine mom’s group summer program
 Jacobsville Area Community Corporation’s Jacobsville property recognition program
“Since the neighborhood is nearing the end of the decision phase with big goals being planned, we decided to release a second round of early action grant opportunities. Plus, ideas have continued to blossom by residents and stakeholders to implement smaller early actions in Jacobsville – so let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to strengthen the big scale goals and planning,†said Mason.
Grant requests can be submitted to: Jennifer Mason/Community Mobilizer, Jacobsville Join In at 621 N. Main Street, Evansville, IN 47710, or by email jennifer-mason5@sbcglobal.net. Grant applications are due by March 14, 2014 5:00 p.m. The application and guidelines are available online at jacobsvillejoinin.com/takeaction/, Jacobsville Join In Facebook page, or can be picked up at the Jacobsville Join In office. For questions contact Jennifer Mason, Jacobsville Join In at 812-746-8933.
ECHO Housing Corporation’s initiative Jacobsville Join In is a quality of life planning project originally funded by the City of Evansville to develop residents and stakeholders’ vision and goals for the Jacobsville neighborhood and to create a plan that can be used to leverage resources, including funding, to implement the vision for the neighborhood.
