Mayor Announces Expansion of PNC Neighborhood Grant Program

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Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, and PNC Bank announced a new component to the PNC Neighborhood Grant Program. For many years, the program awarded grants to eligible Baltimore City organizations for the purpose of producing events. Starting this year, the PNC Neighborhood Grant Program is expanding to include funding for murals and gardens projects.

“Baltimore’s charm comes from its diverse neighborhoods, and the people committed to making their streets better, safer, and stronger,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “For over 20 years, the Neighborhood Grants Program has provided resources to dedicated communities to beautify and revitalize our neighborhoods.”

Now in its 21st year, the program continues to provide financial assistance in the form of cash grants for special projects that revitalize the city’s neighborhoods and engage its residents. The PNC Neighborhood Grant Program is sponsored by PNC Bank and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.

“PNC Bank is dedicated to enriching the communities we call home and the lives of people we meet every day,” said Louis Cestello, Greater Maryland Regional President, PNC Bank. “The PNC Neighborhood Grant Program is one of the many ways we support the communities and residents of Baltimore.”

The murals and gardens program encourages neighborhoods to collaborate with art organizations and artists to incorporate the arts into community improvement projects such as reclaiming empty lots, creating murals, or starting community gardens with art components. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000. The events program distributes funding in the amount of $500 to $1,000 for special events, such as street festivals, flea markets, health fairs, block parties, and more. Events will be funded from Sunday, May 1 through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

All entries will be judged by a selection committee based on the clarity, design, readiness, value, commitment, and urgency of the project or event. Selected groups are required to send one representative from the organization to attend a mandatory workshop. The Mural and Garden Information Workshop takes place Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Events Workshop takes place Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Both workshops are held at the Southeast Anchor of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, located at 3601 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21224.

Local neighborhood associations and community-based, nonprofit groups can apply for one or both grants by visiting www.promotionandarts.com. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 1, 2011 at 5:00 pm. Applications can be faxed to 410-385-0361 or mailed to the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, 7 East Redwood Street, Suite 500, Baltimore, MD 21202.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance, and asset-based lending; wealth management; and asset management.

For more information on the PNC Neighborhood Grant Program, contact the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts at 410-752-8632 or visit http://www.promotionandarts.com/

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