WKXL – December 12, 2013
City of Concord – Grant Writing and Community Partners
In early 2012, the City Council adopted a set of priorities for the next two years to help guide the work plan of organization. The first priority was related to balanced budget issues. One of the subcategories of that goal was to continue to focus on not just bringing in grant funds to help fulfill organizational objectives, but to work with established community organizations to help fulfill their missions which addressed community priorities and needs.
Over this period the City has successfully received funding by working closely with the following entities:
• $390,000 for the Children’s Center and Community Action Program Head Start facilities
• $500,000 for the construction of the new Friendly Kitchen facility
• $500,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Concord Boys & Girls Club
• $12,000 for a needs assessment study of the Merrimack Valley Day Care Services facility
In a continuation of this effort, the City Council will hold a public hearing in January 2014 to determine whether or not to apply for up to $500,000 in funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a not-for-profit organization, which provides a variety of mental health services to clients in Concord and throughout the State. The purpose of the funds would be to renovate and expand an existing garage into a handicapped compliant meeting space to support their educational and support programs. Also under consideration would be various energy improvements to the building.
The City of Concord plans to continue to work with community organizations to further their important missions. By providing financial assistance for vital and necessary services; working together we can continue to successfully meet the needs of the community for years to come.
