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WHEELING -- Wheeling Heritage is ready to help fund the next round of historic revitalization projects in Wheeling.
The nonprofit organization is offering five separate partnership grants of up to $1,000 to projects "that align with their mission of being a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling through historic preservation, community development and the arts."
Applications for the grants will be accepted through Sept. 30, and one each will be awarded in the following areas:
– Education And Interpretation Grant: Education and interpretation grants provide funding for projects that support the heritage area, interpret its historic importance, and provide long-term benefits to the community.
– Small Business Development Grant: Small business development grants are open to organizations or small businesses for projects that contribute to Wheeling's economic vitality.
– Artist Grant: Artist grants help fund specific projects, including supplies, recordings, studio times, exhibits, performances, project-related expenses, as well as attendances and travel to workshops and seminars.
– Recreation Grant: Recreation grants are available to projects or programs that enhance or encourage recreation in the heritage area, with priority given to projects that take place on the trail system.
– Fairs And Festivals Grant: Fairs and festivals grants are available for events that take place within the heritage area and advance Wheeling's culture and history. Fairs and festivals can be organized as community-based celebrations or large-scale events tailored for special interest.
The grant award requires at least a 25% match by the applicant, which each project eligible to receive up to $1,000. The applicant can provide its matching share either in dollars or in-kind services.
Individuals, community and neighborhood groups, local institutions, public entities and private enterprises all are eligible for the partnership grants.
Applications do not need to have nonprofit status, but must demonstrate that they have the capacity to administer responsibly and account for any funds received.
Local cultural festivals have received the grants through the years, explained Alex Panas, project manager for Wheeling Heritage. The Grecian Festival has received money for dancers at the festival, and the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival also has been awarded money for programming.
"This year's Fairs and Festivals grant went to the first Pride On The Plaza, and we were proud to provide them with the startup funds," Panas said.
Grants made to many local small businesses have enabled them "to be able to buy equipment, expand and become more effective," she added.
And the upcoming Friends of Wheeling cemetery tour was a grant recipient, according to Panas.
"It just runs the gamut," she said. "It is pretty comprehensive of all the cool things happening in Wheeling. If someone has a project they need help with, it's a great way to get additional funding."
Partnership grants are reviewed three times a year or until all funds are expended. All applications are reviewed by an ad-hoc committee who determine if a proposed project meets the goals of the partnership grant program to receive funding.