Block Grant Overview

Spruce Hill Community Association
Block Improvement Grant
Program Overview

Purpose:
To improve the physical environment of blocks in Spruce Hill, compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood, with priority given to maintenance and renewal of street trees, sidewalks, curbs, and front gardens.

Spruce Hill offers grants up to $500 for a single block; up to $1200 for cooperating adjacent blocks. Blocks must match grant amount through volunteer "sweat equity," in-kind materials or services, or cash.
Spruce Hill area covers 40th - 46th Streets, Woodland Avenue to Market Street.

Procedure:

Block develops collective vision and applies (applications due in early January)
Project Team reviews block application (grants announced in February)
Block Coordinator assigned to help maximize results and offer technical assistance
Block signs contract outlining project budget, timeline, specifics, and responsibilities
Project takes place
Block submits final report: accounting of costs, volunteer hours, results; and photos (completed by end of June)


Sample Projects: Street Tree Stump Removal Curb and Tree Pit Repair Concrete Removal by Professionals Concrete Removal by Volunteers Concrete Disposal Tree Lawn Creation Tree Lawn Creation by Volunteers Sample Tree Lawn Planting Street Trees Bare Root Trees Container Trees Balled & Burlapped Trees Restoring Front Garden Plots Front Garden Planting (shade) Front Garden Planting (sun) Front Garden Tree Planting Front Garden Retaining Wall Water-Permeable Historic Brick Sidewalks Trash Can Screens	Click Here to View More Sample Projects

The SHCA block improvement grant program was launched the fall of 1999, and our goal with this program is to:
Build Community and Forge New Alliances Inspire Private Efforts Encourage Additional Investment Spark Commercial Improvements Support Public Space Improvements Maintain the Urban Forest Have fun!

For more information on the Spruce Hill Community Association Block Improvement Grant Program: shca@sprucehillca.org 257 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 349-7825.