EDA Awards $29K in Jumpstart Grants

The Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority has approved $29,800 in Jumpstart grants for the June 1, 2011 award cycle. The EDA divides the Jumpstart grants into four categories; non-profit grants, for-profit grants, event sponsorship, and art grants. Non profits can apply for up to $5,000 in grant money. Some for profit organizations can apply for 50 percent matching grants for facade improvements and other capital investments. 20 percent of the Jumpstart grant funds are also reserved for projects which support the arts. 

According to the Jumpstart grant application "new or existing business changes, improvement projects and activities, including façade improvements, that stimulate economic growth" within one of 11 business corridors within the city are eligible to apply for the grant program. 

For-Profit Grant Applications:

• Olde Towne Butcher Shop and Market - Applied for $5,364 in matching grants to help with $10,728 project to install window and storefront awnings on William Street and Charles Street facades. The EDA approved the request for a 50 percent match grant pending the approval of the Architectural Review Board and with a six month project completion deadline.
• Greenbrier Shopping Center - Applied for an unspecified amount of grant money to help with a $106,202 project to revitalize the shopping center, including facade cleaning, seasonal banners, new landscaping and a new sign. However, the grant application was withdrawn on June 27. 
• Heritage Media - Applied for a $13,500 grant to cover the entire cost of producing seven to 10 short videos of Fredericksburg historic sites for web and mobile applications. This request was put on hold by the EDA, which wants to see more information on how the videos would be used at the historic sites. The grant committee also did not see any evidence of matching funds, noting that the EDA for-profit grants are not to exceed a 50 percent match, 

Non-Profit Grant Applications 

• Chamber of Commerce - Applied for a $5,000 grant to help cover the cost of a $56,000 sponsorship of the 2012 program of Leadership Fredericksburg. This request was approved in full. In return, the EDA asks to be included in the chamber's email listserv and to be included in chamber events. 
• Downtown Retail Merchants, Inc.  - Applied for a $14,000 grant to help cover the cost of $24,924 Christmas 2011 plans, including extra Santa hours, Market Square activities, tree lighting, and marketing and promotion. The EDA approved only $4,000 in grant funding, nothing a lack of "sufficient information to recommend grant support of Christmas on Market Square."
• Cobblestone Children's Museum - Applied for a $5,000 grant to fund the purchase of a utility trailer for the transportation of a traveling children's museum exhibit. This grant was approved by the EDA, which "supports the creation of the planned museum and sees the value of the Museum on the Go as on of the preliminary steps" to establishing a permanent museum. The grant was approved with some conditions. The trailer must bear an EDA logo, and the trailer is to be returned to the EDA if a permanent museum is not established within five years. 
• Gladys H. Oberle School - Applied for a $5,000 grant to help fund a $5,432 renovation of an entrance to their new school building at 404 Willis Street. The EDA approved this grant under the condition that the school acquire the necessary permits and provides 50 percent in matching funds. 

Sponsorship Grants

• Heritage Festival, Inc.  - Applied for a $5,000 grant to help fund the $25,000 Fourth of July fireworks. This grant request was approved by the EDA at the June 13, 2011 meeting.