Community Engagement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Support from neighboring residents and businesses adjacent to project location, when feasible.
- A brief description of planned community engagement during project. This may include using community volunteers, describing how neighboring properties will be notified and kept updated during the project, and how the project will be communicated to the wider Harrisburg City community as a whole (social media, email, etc.)
Site Permissions of Ownership
All applicants must demonstrate either ownership of subject site or appropriate permissions from owner to utilize the site on which a project will take place.
Safety & Accessibility
Projects must:
- Maintain any existing ADA access.
- Avoid creating hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, or required street cleaning/snow removal.
- Use materials appropriate for outdoor use and approved by the City of Harrisburg. For projects withing a street right-of-way, materials may also need to meet PennDOT standards.
- Follow city safety guidelines for traffic calming or street installations if applicable. Please note there is a limited palette of approved equipment and materials e.g. orange cones, barrels, jersey barriers, etc. Please consult with city on appropriate materials.
Budget & Procurement
- Budgets must be itemized, realistic, and based on current pricing for materials.
- Volunteer labor is allowed but must be documented.
- Funds may be used for materials, artist stipends, rentals, and insurance.
Maintenance & Removal
Applicants must commit to:
- Maintaining the installation for its project life.
- Restoring the project site at the end of the project period when applicable. Some activities, like murals, may be permanent in nature and not require restoration.
- If the project is intended to be permanent, detail how applicant will maintain project and for how long.
Application Requirements
All applicants are required to fill out the “MyHBG Grant Application Form”. Applications and related attachments submitted are not returnable.
Applicants should collect the following information in preparation of completing an application:
- Project summary
- Site address and description
- Documentation showing proof of ownership or permission to use site for project
- Site map or concept sketches or renderings, if applicable
- Community engagement plan
- Implementation timeline
- Project budget including sources and uses of funds, itemized materials, grant amount requested, and any documentation verifying materials and costs
- Maintenance and removal plan, if applicable
Review Criteria
Projects will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Community Benefit
Enhances at least one of the following:
- Public space quality/beautification
- Active mobility and connectivity
- Supports surrounding business activities
- Addresses a community-identified need
- Feasibility
- Clear implementation plan
- Realistic budget
- Appropriate materials and safety considerations
- Innovation & Creativity
- Introduces new ideas or approaches
- Demonstrates strong design thinking, i.e. creative use of space, materials, and concept
- Adds vibrancy or identity to the neighborhood
- Equity & Inclusion
- Engages diverse residents
- Represents and promotes the diverse character and communities of Harrisburg City
- Ensures accessible design when applicable, e.g. allows for disabled access and usage.
- Demonstration of Concept for Long-Term Potential Implementation:
Part of the purpose of TU projects is to “test out” changes and improvements to see if they will work long-term. Some areas a strong project will be able to “test” include:
- Potential to inform permanent improvements
- Builds community capacity
- Creates lasting behavioral or perceptual change
Next: Process