Residents and business owners in the Stevens Street Historic District and Fletcherville neighborhoods are encouraged to apply for the Neighborhood Improvement Grants, made possible by the Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC) and the City of Thomasville.
To maximize impact in these neighborhoods, we encourage neighbors in close proximity to apply as a group. Three types of grants are currently available– Home Improvement Grants (up to $15,000), Neighborhood Activity Grants (up to $5000) and Commercial Facade Grants (matching reimbursements of up to $10,000). A grant committee made up of neighborhood members and contractors will evaluate applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“These grants foster a renewed sense of community in our neighborhoods by identifying key assets in both people and places- with an emphasis on the people. We want to see neighborhood residents directing the types of activities they want in the neighborhood- the grants give people an incentive to take the initiative. We recognize and appreciate the ongoing efforts of many residents over the years. Our goal is to support and enhance the great work that is already being done," said Earl Williams, TCDC Consultant.
Last year, TCDC granted $50,000 to homeowners, businesses, and organizations in the Dewey City Neighborhood and attracted over $15,000 in additional funding to neighborhood projects. This year, the organization is aiming to attract over $100,000 of investment in a target neighborhood. This year, Thomasville City Council approved the funding of another $50,000 for the grant program and TCDC hopes to match that investment through other grants and private investments.
Supporting project such as these are important to our overall economic vitality as a
community, and the impact that can be made to improve our traditional neighborhoods is
significant," said Interim City Manager Chris White. "Cultivating partner ships within our
community as a whole and with the Thomasville Community Development Corporation
specifically is a high priority for our Council, an we are happy to be a part of this grant
opportunity."
Last year’s projects included health and safety home improvements, a commercial facade at Marathon Market, the Dewey City Community Garden, and architectural design workshops for a new community center at Douglass High School.
"These two neighborhoods are key areas for redevelopment, because of their close proximity to Downtown." Williams said. “Most of these neighborhoods have an abundance of senior citizens and we want to give them the option to stay in place as they age and in order for that to happen, they need to live in a home that’s safe and secure.”
Residents in the Fletcherville and Stevens Street neighborhoods are encouraged to apply for the grants on TCDC’s website.
For more information: earl@thomasvillecdc.org or (229) 231-1199
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