COLUMBUS, Ohio — The City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods opened its application for a grant regarding National Night Out. The event promotes communities partnering with police to make different neighborhoods safer and a more caring place to live.
The grant gives nonprofit agencies a chance to receive up to $1,000 to help with their celebrations on Aug. 6. Not only does this event connect neighborhoods with police, but it also gives people a chance to meet with their city government leaders, law enforcement and community services.
The event is focused on building these connections so that in the future if a Columbus resident is having an issue, they know where to go for help.
The grants will be awarded to community groups working with Columbus nonprofits in the area or if the group is a nonprofit. This can help them cover things like food and activities.
"You want to have opportunities for neighbors to talk with one another. It's very important that they have good connections with all their city services," Department of Neighborhoods Deputy Director Todd Dieffenderfer said.
The deadline to apply for the grant is May 24 at 5 p.m.
If you would like more information about the grant and the application process, an online information session is being held on May 6. You can also schedule an in-person session at a Neighborhood Pride Center on May 7, 9, 10, or 15.
"It's very important for neighborhoods to host national nights out, to have these community events where everybody can get together, get to know each other on a personal basis, have a hotdog, and just talk about what's going on is really valuable," Dieffenderfer said.
Organizations will be notified that they received the grant by June 17.