Jacksonville’s $40M Eastside grant program aims to boost underserved neighborhoods through affordable housing, economic development, and homelessness mitigation.
Jacksonville nonprofits and community agencies hoping to secure a share of the city’s new $40 million Eastside grant program got a detailed look at the application process Wednesday during a mandatory workshop tied to the city’s “Stadium of the Future” agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The funding initiative is expected to direct millions of dollars into historically underserved Eastside neighborhoods over the next seven years, focusing on affordable housing, workforce housing, economic development and homelessness mitigation.
The workshop drew a packed in-person crowd, while dozens more joined virtually. Although applications do not open until July 1, city leaders used the session to walk applicants through the process, eligibility requirements and key deadlines.
The grants are available to organizations serving Longbranch, Phoenix, Campbell’s Addition, Oakland and Fairfield. During the program’s first year, each of the four grant categories will receive 25% of the available funding. Organizations may request up to $250,000 and can submit one application per category.
Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso said the goal is to ensure Eastside residents experience tangible improvements from the investment.
“It’s about making sure what City Council and the Jaguars put together for the Eastside community is something that they can actually see get done,” Peluso said. “I think a lot of people and a lot of figures in the past have said change is coming, and now we’re finally doing it. We’re seeing residents feel more a part of it than they ever have.”
A nine-member board made up of appointees from the mayor, City Council president and the Jaguars organization will oversee and score applications.
Community organizations attending the workshop said the funding could help expand programs and create new opportunities for residents.
“We are expanding into the Eastside, into those four or five communities,” said Jada Hunter with the Center of Hope. “It would give us the resources to be able to provide more economic development opportunities and also increase workforce development with some of our parents and caregivers who normally come to us in a time of need.”
The application period opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 3. Organizations must attend one of the required workshops to be eligible to apply. The final workshop is scheduled to take place virtually Thursday at 9 a.m.
More information and registration details are available through the City of Jacksonville website by searching “Eastside Grants.”