HistoricOmaha

Omaha World Herald
Published Monday August 29, 2005

BY SIBYL MYERS

Backyard: Neighborhood grants get new chance to shine

Neighborhood associations may apply for grants of up to $10,000 through a newly revived program of the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

If you have ideas for a grant proposal in our neighborhood, contact DMPA President B.J Reed or past president Bill Kelly.
–HistoricDundee

The Neighborhood Grant Program is being re-instituted, said Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, the foundation’s executive director. Grant proposals may include projects that encourage more neighborhood participation while also improving neighborhood organization, safety, appearance, environmental awareness or recreation.

“One of Omaha’s distinctive strengths is our neighborhoods and the pride of place they have created for generations of our citizens,” said Ziegenbein.

“There is renewed energy and a sense of optimism about Omaha that is building enthusiasm in every quarter of our city,” she said. “Our trustees hope these grants will help to empower neighborhoods to continue to shape and maintain their livability and unique characteristics.”

Grants will be awarded on a matching funds basis or issued as a challenge grant. No more than 50 percent of the total project cost will be considered for funding by the foundation.

In the 1990s, the foundation funded a series of neighborhood grants that included:

• Historic street signs in Benson on Maple Street between 54th and 66th Streets.
• Decorative banners on Leavenworth Street, Park Avenue and Turner Boulevard.
• Lights in Bemis Park near 36th and Cuming Streets to enhance public safety.
• Median planting on 60th Street south of Center Street.
• Landscaping in the Metcalfe Park area near 50th and Hamilton Streets.
• Picnic tables and barbecue grills in Spring Lake Park near 15th and H Streets.
• Improvements to the neighborhood playground in the Field Club area at 35th and Walnut Streets.

Nonprofit neighborhood associations are eligible to apply for the grants. The deadline is Nov. 1. Awards will be announced by Dec. 1, with projects scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2006. Application materials are available from the foundation office, 8805 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 225. For more information, call 344-7890.

Conference to Restore Omaha

Restore Omaha, a conference, exhibition and tour, will be held Nov. 5 and 6 at the Mutual of Omaha dome. The event will feature local and national experts who will discuss how to renew, revive and preserve older structures.

Organizers are looking for groups who want to exhibit at the conference. Contact Kristine Gerber at 614-0056 or send an e-mail to eventive.marketing@cox.net. For more information, visit the Web site at www.destinationmidtown.org/events.asp.

[Registration form]