What Qualifies?

The project must meet the following requirements to be eligible for funds:

• Located on property within Aurora city limits
• Cannot be for individual private residential property, but can be on city right of way
• Provide an identifiable benefit or positive impact to the neighborhood, such as a new, ongoing or phased beautification project that brings neighbors together
• Have a specific timeline, clearly defined steps and outcomes, and a breakdown of costs; applications that contain project parameters and associated funding requests that demonstrate a well-researched proposal and high-visibility project - including substantial volunteer labor - will be given top priority
• Include the active involvement of at least three households in the neighborhood, who must sign up as project coordinators
• Not intended for political or religious organizations, and cannot be political or religious in nature, including but not limited to the support of a proposed initiative, ballot measure or candidate
• Any landscape project involving living plant material requires irrigation

Need Some Ideas?

Some examples of projects that might be eligible for funding include:

• Neighborhood identification signage
• Neighborhood and alley cleanup and maintenance
• Trash and debris pickup along fence lines, major thoroughfares and common areas
• Volunteer projects that adopt a street and help maintain it as a cleaner and more environmentally pleasant place

Application and Selection Process

1. Think about potential projects.
2. Attend one of the required pre-application meetings (times, dates and locations listed above) to learn more about the application process and talk with various city departments about potential project considerations, such as permits, lane closures and any associated fees. (RSVP to 303.739.7280)
3. Meet with a city of Aurora neighborhood liaison by March 20 and BEFORE applying to review project guidelines and ideas.
4. Submit your application and Volunteer Commitment Form by April 24, 2020 (must be received by 4:30 p.m. on this date) to the Neighborhood Services Department at the Aurora Municipal Center, Attn: Neighborhood Services, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012. 
   * View or download an application
   * View the Beautification Grants guidebook
5. A selection committee of Neighborhood Services staff will review and select applications by late spring. Depending on the nature of the application, a meeting with Neighborhood Services may be necessary to resolve questions.
6. If the amount of money requested in a single ward exceeds $10,000 for all applications submitted, the best qualified applicants will be selected from the entire pool of submissions for that ward.
7. The selection committee has the right to decline an application that does not meet the stated intent and criteria of the program, which is a competitive process.
8. Once funds are approved, the project must be executed before Oct. 31, 2020. Funding must be spent during the award year and is available only as reimbursement for expenses or as payment directly to vendors. The city’s neighborhood liaisons will work with approved groups throughout the project.
9. Be sure to take before and after photos of the project area to turn in with receipts of expenses in your final report.
10. This grant opportunity is a once-annual opportunity. However, if funds remain after the initial applications are received/selected, neighborhood groups and interested individuals will be notified and encouraged to apply for remaining 2020 funds.

Questions? Contact 303.739.7280.