Eastside Community Grants Program

The Eastside Community Grants Program is a locally established funding initiative created through Ordinance 2026-0036-E and codified within Chapter 118, Part 9. The program is directly tied to the Supplemental Jacksonville Stadium Community Benefits Agreement authorized by Ordinance 2024-905-E. It represents a targeted municipal effort to direct financial resources into historically underserved Eastside neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. The program is administered as part of a broader public commitment to community reinvestment, focusing on equitable development and long-term neighborhood stabilization. The primary purpose of the program is to provide structured access to funding for organizations that deliver programs, services, projects, or initiatives aligned with four key focus areas: Affordable Housing, Workforce Housing, Economic Development, and the Mitigation of Homelessness. These focus areas are intended to address systemic challenges within the Eastside communities of Campbells Additions, Fairfield, Longbranch, Oakland, and Phoenix. The program emphasizes public benefit and community-centered outcomes, ensuring that funded activities directly support residents within these designated neighborhoods. Funding through this program is intended to support a wide range of allowable uses, including but not limited to housing development initiatives, workforce training and housing stabilization efforts, economic revitalization programs, and services aimed at reducing homelessness. While specific funding amounts and award structures are not detailed in the available materials, the program clearly prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate measurable community impact and alignment with the Eastside Strategic Focus outlined in the governing ordinances. Eligibility requirements include organizational readiness and compliance documentation. Applicants must have been in existence for at least two years prior to the grant deadline and must provide evidence of good standing through a certificate issued within the previous 12 months. Financial transparency is required through submission of fiscal balance sheets and statements of income and expenses for the past two completed fiscal years. Organizations must also submit tax returns or proof of tax-exempt status, along with an affidavit and other required application materials as specified in Chapter 118, Part 9. The application process includes a mandatory participation requirement in one of the official Application Workshop and Information Sessions. These sessions serve as a prerequisite for eligibility and are offered in both hybrid and virtual formats. Attendance at one session is required before submission. The Fiscal Year application cycle opens on July 1, and applicants are encouraged to prepare documentation in advance. Additional guidance and sample forms may be requested via the program’s official email contact. Program oversight and applicant support are provided by the Grants and Contract Compliance Division. Applicants may direct questions to the program’s official email or designated contact person. While specific evaluation criteria and award timelines are not explicitly outlined, the structured documentation requirements and mandatory workshop indicate a formal review process. The program appears to operate on a defined annual cycle, with recurring opportunities tied to municipal fiscal year planning and ongoing community investment commitments.