Question 1

Do I need to answer all the questions in the Implementation Considerations and Maintenance Considerations documents?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is No, you do not need to respond to the questions in the Implementation Considerations and Maintenance Considerations documents.  Since there are so many project types and conditions, we hoped to provide this list as a way to get applicants to think of potential hurdles to implementing or maintaining the projects. The questions are meant to respond to some common considerations such as number of volunteers, permits/approvals for projects, or timelines.

The responses to questions however may impact project timeline, budget, implementation strategies, programming, or how the community gets involved, which should be included in your presentation slides. Please contact us if you have additional questions.

Question 2

How detailed should our budget be?

Accepted Answer

This year we have provided a budget template for applicants to use. We ask that applicants consider the types/categories for improvements (i.e. Landscape Elements, Art, Site Furniture, Equipment Rental, etc.) and the various elements that fall under those categories to estimate budget. When you have firm cost, we recommend adding an additional 5-10% of cost as there will likely be additional items you forget about (see the example below).

If you are estimating, we recommend looking into general cost per square foot costs for a project (i.e. murals have a range of cost per square foot of $15-$50, pending site conditions, artists fee, materials, etc). At the end of the day, it's about putting a reasonable cost to an item. For instance, if you are painting a mural on a wall that measure 10 ft. x 20 ft. budgeting $500 is not a reasonable value as materials (paint, brushes, rollers, etc.) will likely exceed that budget for that size of a wall, and that doesn't include a fee to an artist to paint. However $5,000 may be a more reasonable cost (assuming 200 sq. ft. at $25 per sq. ft.).

If you still aren't sure of what to budget or a cost, contact us!

An Example: Our proposal include 4 new large planters. Total cost includes:
- Planters ($225 each x 4) = $900
- Gravel for Drainage (6 bags of gravel at $5 per bag) = $30
- 1 cu. yd. of soil + delivery = $150.00
- Mulch (2 bags of mulch at $4 per bag) = $8
- Assorted plants = $200.00
Estimated cost of planters = $1,288
Budgeted cost of planters (+10% of estimated cost) = $1,417.00

Beyond market changes, some examples of items you may not remember to add in: delivery costs, sales tax, miscellaneous hardware, equipment rental costs, permit costs.

We are also allowing a 500-character maximum budget narrative you can submit with your application if you feel any of your budget items need additional explanation.

Question 3

Our team is considering 2 phases for our project supported by external resources. Should we show the full project or just what the grant will cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should show your full proposal and explicitly visualize and state what improvements belong to what phase. If phase 2 of the project is also supported by other funding sources, this information should also be clearly noted in your proposal and budget.

Question 4

Do you have any recommendations (software or other resources) we should consider if we want our application to look as professional as possible?

Accepted Answer

The representation for each proposal will vary depending on what your proposed idea is. One effective method for showing an idea is sketching over a photo. This can work for both plans or 3D representation and creatively spotlight the types of activities or impact of adding a few design elements. A few examples are shown below but these are not the only methods for showing an idea. Sketchup models, hand sketches or drawings, drafted plans, or even collages also work. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us.

Question 5

I am unable to get a letter of support from my area commission. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

We understand with the project timeline that your team may not have been able to get your proposal approved for a letter from your area commission. There are other options that might be possible:
Consider getting a letter from your local civic association, block watch, or other resident-driven organizations to provide backing for the project.
Consider creating a "petition-style" support sheet that includes the project narrative, and opportunities for residents to sign their support for the project.
Consider getting a few letters of support - that could be from other organizations, residents near an impacted site, a local business, or a combination of the above.

Question 6

Who should letters of support be addressed to?

Accepted Answer

Applicants can address letters of support (community or property owner) to the "614 Beautiful Program."

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