Valerie’s Memorial Grant Program

 

What is it?

This program issues microgrants for individual community residents who need financing for projects that would benefit Liberty Wells. The purpose of this program is to encourage positive actions and projects that have a positive impact on the overall community by making it a safer, more connected, and engaging neighborhood. Individuals, groups, or organizations can apply.

requirements to apply

Projects must be located all or in part within the boundaries of Liberty Wells Community Council. Boundaries are the south side of 900 South to the north side of 2100 So and the east side of State St to the west side of 700 East. Project sponsor preferably must live, work or own a business with the LWCC boundaries. Applicant(s) must be willing to organize and complete the project themselves or organize and supervise any subcontractor employed. We prefer to have the contact info of at least one other backup person. Grants can fund supplies and contractors if the applicant does not have the skills necessary to complete the project. LWCC will give preference to suppliers or contractors that reside within the boundaries of the LWCC. LWCC reserves the right to do a final inspection of the project and probably will.

examples of qualifying projects

  • Neighborhood cleanups - alleys and vacant lots, preferable permanent changes.

  • Installing public art.

  • Replacing signage to parks and other public places.

  • Installing both safety and security lighting.

  • Repurposing vacant or underutilized lots as active community spaces.

  • Adding traffic-calming features to existing streets and intersections.

  • Encouraging and organizing community block parties.

  • Beautifying or landscaping a neglected common or public space.

  • Create a tool sharing program.

  • Building trails or pathways to connect streets and encourage safety.

  • Or propose your own ideas! Only requirement is there needs to be a neighborhood benefit!

who WAS valerie?

This program was created to honor the memory of Valerie Vaughn. Valerie had a great love for the community she lived in, joined the SLC Liberty Wells Community Council and served as board member, vice chair, and chair. She devoted over 10 years to this organization and had numerous enduring accomplishments including: helping to complete and dedicate the Ron Heaps Memorial Park, helping the start-up of the Wasatch Community Garden plots at 1700 S. 700 E., and securing funds to have an inset drop-off zone constructed on 300 East to keep Whittier Elementary students safe. But her most cherished work was in founding and establishing the highly successful Liberty Park Farmers Market, a dream she'd had for several years before she finally "made it happen" in 2017. For five more years she dedicated her heart and soul and innumerable hours throughout the year to make the LP Market a success, and make it bigger and better each year. Valerie made many friends throughout her life but especially while working for her beloved community endeavors.

Additional information

Grant applications with be selected by the board of directors of the Liberty Wells Community Council. There is not a minimum dollar amount to apply. The maximum amount is $2500 but LWCC reserves the right to approve larger amounts if we feel the benefit is there. We normally reimburse the applicant after the project is completed but will also consider issuing all or part of the grant in advance if a large amount is required to purchase building materials or a contractor requires a deposit and this would create a burden on the applicant. Grants can be combined with both CIP, Love your Block or any other type of grant funding.