We have BIG news. Riverfront North Partnership and the City of Philadelphia are building a 10 -acre riverfront park in Bridesburg at Orthodox Street and Delaware Avenue. Now that we have secured funding for the Phase 1 construction of the park and getting closer to the start of that phase, we are once again reaching out to the Bridesburg community now to enjoy the outdoors together in creative ways.
Thanks to the generous support of the William Penn Foundation, RNP is running the next cycle of Bridesburg Impact Grants (BIG) to bring your ideas to life within the Bridesburg community – and ultimately the new park. These $500 grants are designed to spread the word about all the great things that this neighborhood offers to the people who live here.
There are three categories of projects/program that will be funded:
- Nature or Outdoor-based Activities
- Community Building
- Intergenerational Activities
We still have funding available and Applicants can request $500 for their project. All grants will be accepted and awarded on a rolling-basis and all projects/programs should be complete within three months of their acceptance.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
Who Can Apply?
The BIG Program awards grants to projects, programs or events that take place in the 19137 zip code (Bridesburg) only. Applicants can come from anywhere, though! The program will consider proposals from groups and individuals whose interests are consistent with the goals of the program; as well as individuals seeking to complete creative projects. Proposals for retroactive funding of projects already completed will not be considered. Youth under 18 can apply with an adult sponsor whose information is on the application. Teachers at local schools can apply, however the project/program/activity must take place in Bridesburg and have a direct impact on the 19137 community. Each applicant is limited to one funded project per grant cycle.
Types of Projects Preferred
Projects with a focus on nature-based or active, outdoor activities are given priority. Projects that encourage collaboration among community members and organizations are also given priority.
Types of Projects Not Eligible
The following projects are not eligible:
- Projects identified with political parties of any kind
- Organizations that practice discrimination of any kind
- General contributions to capital campaigns or operating deficits or retirement of debt
- Endowment programs
Application Procedure
Applicants should complete and submit an application that requests detailed information about the need for the project, its goals and plan of action. Use one application per request.
If approved, a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be emailed with the award notification and will need to be signed and returned within five business days. Additionally, a representative from funded projects is required to attend the closing dinner in late September 2020 to report out on what was achieved with the funding.
Applications can be sent via email to:
Gina Craigo, Community Engagement Manager
Email: gina@riverfrontnorth.org
- Applications will be reviewed on a monthly, rolling basis. Applicants will be notified via email by the end of the month.
- Up to 4 projects can still be funded.
Please refrain from including materials not requested by the grant application, as they cannot be considered during the review process and inclusion may result in your application not being considered.
Review Process & Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed by RNP Staff and a committee of community members. Applicants will be contacted if further information is needed.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:
- Significance: How clearly are goals and objectives stated and how many people will benefit?
- Creativity: How creative is the proposal?
- Action Plan: How well defined is the action plan, and does it involve collaboration among community members?
- Likelihood of success: How feasible is the project in terms of time, budget requests and available resources?
Technical Assistance
RNP Staff are available for technical assistance if help is needed in completing the application.
Contact Gina Craigo at gina@riverfrontnorth.org or 215-962-8726 with any questions.
Download the ‘BIG’ Application
Download the ‘BIG’ Guidelines – Printer Friendly
Want to learn more about what else is happening with the Bridesburg Committee?
Have questions about the future riverfront park in Bridesburg? Check out our FAQ page for answers.
Previous Grant Recipients
Round 1:
Bridesburg 5K – created to support the Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade ten years ago, this annual event brings Bridesburg residents together around health and fitness. Although this year’s race has been postponed due to restrictions around social distancing, it WILL happen again!
Trish Houck/Community Art Mural – Trish Houck pivoted from her original bottle cap mural to an “Odd-Tober” floral arranging contest using unexpected vessels.
United Veterans of Bridesburg Parade Organization – One of the most beloved traditions in Bridesburg is the parade that honors individuals who have served in America’s armed forces, past and present. BIG funds are helping to purchase the American flags to line the parade route.
Stephen Syzbowski – Steve will design a public art project in Bridesburg and with the BIG funding will kick the process off and complete its mission statement; engage the neighborhood for review as well as University of the Arts students for design input; and have a budget, project and fundraising plan.
Boy Scouts Troop 120 – Never a stranger to service in Bridesburg, BIG funding will support the scouts’ initiatives that promote badge achievement with community benefit. Details are currently in design.
Anthony Valentino – Anthony will offer a kid’s fitness and boot camp outdoors and using social distancing. With organized sports on hiatus; schools and rec centers closed for the past few months, there is a need to get kids active once again. BIG funding will help him to obtain supplies and perform outreach.
Bridesburg Rec/Bri Tri Ride and Stride – It happened virturally, but it was the event’s second year.
Bridesburg Father’s Club (Cougars) – The “Shack” has been needing some repairs for quite some time, and BIG is here to help. Look for ways to get involved in this project, and a mural and community garden to add to the Shack’s sprucing up!
Jean O’Neal – Quarantine has allowed some to gain new hobbies, why not add home composting to the list. Jean will offer a basic workshop for urban gardeners. Composting is not only good for the environment by reducing waste from going into landfills, but recycles brown materials into a useable source – aiding your garden!