CONCORD, N.H. — The ROC Association is pleased to announce the launch of the 2020 Better Together Grants Program for Community Projects and Rebranding. The program is now accepting applications.
Applications are due July 19, and applications will be reviewed by the ROC Association Directors. Approved applicants will be announced July 31 and projects must be completed by Dec. 31.
Grants are available up to $2,000 with a total of $15,000 available. The application is available in English and Spanish.
This year, projects must be able to be completed while meeting local and state social distancing guidelines.
The projects are meant to meet health and safety or re-branding needs of the ROC, as well as bring together neighbors to solidify the already growing feeling of camaraderie. In the past, ROC Leaders have used these grants to fund projects in their communities such as repairing a community center, installing speed bumps, putting in security lighting, changing the community name, or installing new signage. Projects can also include installing playground equipment, landscaping, etc.
In October 2010, the ROC leaders who attended the Community Leadership Institute in Louisville developed a community grants program idea that would both help a fellow ROC as well as engage new leadership in the resident corporation. The ROC USA® Board of Directors has included the grants in the budget since 2010. In 2019, the ROC Association funded a separate re-branding grant to provide communities funds to make improvements to public-facing portions of their ROC, such as naming, signage, websites, letterhead or print collateral. This year, these programs have been combined into one grant.
Grant winners must be able to provide before, in-process, and after photos of their project.
In 2019, the ROC Association received a record number of applications and awarded grants to six resident-owned communities for community projects.