Neighborhoods

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What is a Neighborhood Association?

A neighborhood association is a group of residents who live in the same geographical area or identify with a particular neighborhood and share common goals and concerns for the area. Neighborhood associations are member-based groups that are open to everybody within the neighborhood and include local businesses. Members collaborate on issues and identify creative solutions to address concerns and work together to problem-solve challenges. By sharing your time, energy, talents, and passion for your neighborhood, neighborhood associations empower residents to make real, positive impacts in our community.

Neighborhood Associations

Below are typical characteristics of active City neighborhood associations:

Meet regularly.
Have recognized leadership.
Communicate with residents.
Communicate with government.
Take formal action to officially represent.
Have articles of association/incorporation.
Have delineated neighborhood boundaries.
On record with the Planning Dept.

If you are interested in joining or starting a Neighborhood Association, please email the Neighborhood Planner at: Neighborhoods@Sarasotafl.gov

Below is a PDF map of our Neighborhood Associations and Parks and the link to the interactive City of Sarasota GIS map [must check the Neighborhoods layer on the map].

Map of City Neighborhood Associations and Parks - Printable map.
City of Sarasota Interactive Map -View the Neighborhood Associations map and find what association you reside in.

Neighborhood Grant Program

The intent of the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is to assist and strengthen the City of Sarasota neighborhood associations and improve the quality of life within City neighborhoods. Neighborhood Partnership Grants are offered twice per fiscal year Fall and Spring. During each grant cycle, the City Commission votes to approve Neighborhood Grant applications based on recommendations from the Grant Review Committee. Applications are ranked and given a maximum of 100 points as follows:

Project Description [20 Points]: How well the application describes the project and its goals.
Demonstration of Community Need [ 20 Points]: How well the application explains a community need and whether the project addresses said community need.
Evidence of Community/Association Strengthening [20 Points]: Whether the project has the potential to strengthen the Association and/or Neighborhood.
Community Support [20 Points]: Whether there is community consensus for the project as well as resident involvement in implementation of the project.
Appropriate Proposed Budget and Funding Source [20 Points]: Whether the budget revenues and expenses are clear and justifiable and whether the funding source is appropriate.

Past Neighborhood Partnership Grants have funded the following types of initiatives: Newsletters, Crime Watch, Public Landscape Improvements, Neighborhood Entry Signage, Meeting Signs, Membership Drives, Safety Programs, T-Shirts, Special Events and more. Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive one Neighborhood Partnership Grant per fiscal year.

To obtain an application for the Neighborhood Partnership Grant, please send an email to: Neighborhood.Grants@SarasotaFl.gov

Community Building Grant Program

The Community Building grant is offered for neighborhood associations to support community gatherings, celebrations or special events. Such events have the ability to increase neighborhood pride and deepen a sense of community. A sample of eligible funding projects includes: supplies, entertainment, printing, food, beverages (excluding alcohol), and permitting fees in conjunction with neighborhood festivals/celebrations. Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive one Community Building grant per fiscal year. There is no application deadline for this ongoing program and the maximum amount is $250.00.

To obtain an application for the Community Building Grant, please send an email to Neighborhood.Grants@SarasotaFl.gov

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