FAQ
How does the $ for $ match work?
Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements (visible from the street), up to $1,000. If $500 is spent, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 or more is spent the match will be $1,000 (minus taxes). If $5,000 is spent, the match will be $1,000.
How many years in a row can a homeowner apply?
Two years
If this is the second year you are applying, you must bring in new homeowners and plan a project that enhances the city.
If expansion means you are going over the maximum number of homeowners on one application (15), you must divide your block into two or more applications.
Do I have to get 50% of my Block to participate?
Although at least 50% of households on the same block are required to participate, that is just the minimum. Competitive applications have 60-75% of homes participating on the same block. It is important that these houses are clustered closely. If scattered houses are recruited, this will weaken the application.
A Block can be made up of both sides of one street, or a Block can be made up of the contiguous area within 4 streets. You can go around corners but you must be closely clustered.
Properties that are physically close together will create more of an impact than properties that are scattered. Applications where the property improvements are occurring in a concentrated area are more likely to be funded than applications where houses are separated by great distances.
If there are vacant properties on your block, indicate that on your application. These will not be considered part of the 50% participation.
If there are absentee landlords that you cannot find to communicate with on your block, indicate that on your application.
What is the selection criteria?
The number of blocks designated in any given year is based on resource availability and the quality of applications received.
If your Block has applied in the past and not funded, your new application will receive bonus scoring points.
If your Block is in a Target Area, your application will receive bonus scoring points. If just one house in a Block that is in a Target Area-the whole Block is treated as being in the Target Zone.
Is this a government program?
Where does the money come from?
Is there an income requirement?
What’s the catch?
There is no catch in the traditional sense. You do not have to pay the money back or live in your home for a certain number of years.
You do, however, need to agree to completing the work, let FBB use your pictures for advertising, keep up your improvements, display a FBB lawn sign in your yard and work with your neighbors.
Who does the work?
When will I be told if my Block is approved?
When does the work need to be done?
All work must be completed by October 31
You can start your work before the awards are made to take advantage of sales. All work and purchases must be made in the year of the award.
Starting early does not guarantee you will be funded.
Where else can I find information about the program?
If I want to be a Block Leader, are there resources I can get to help organize my group?
Yes, there are sample letters and postcards that you can use.
Contact your Community Ambassador
Go to the Website or Facebook (links are above)
Call Linda Eagan @ (315) 529-9181
Do we have to have a Block Leader?
Yes, every block must identify a block leader who is responsible for recruiting neighbors, compiling the final application, and communicating throughout the process.
What do I have to do?
First and foremost, you must complete the Neighborhood Prequalification form.
Next, you must meet as a group -after the pre-qualification is submitted - with your Community Ambassador to learn about the final application process.
Then complete the Final Application and be approved for a Block Challenge Grant.
All work must be completed by October 31.
To receive the matching funds, participants must submit all receipts and invoices at the conclusion of their project, even when the participants invested more than required by the matching grant.
Fulton Block Builders will review the receipts and picture of the completed work, and deliver a reimbursement check to the participant.
Each homeowner must list the physical improvements they would like to complete as part of the Challenge on the Final Application.
Each homeowner is asked on the Final Application to consider: improvements that do not require much time or money. Separate from the project listed homeowners should indicate:
One small thing they will add to their property to strengthen their neighborhood. Examples of small things to add: hanging flowers, edging the lawn, putting out a new welcome mat, adding a porch flag, etc.
One small negative condition they can remove from their property. Examples of negative conditions that can be removed: junk/clutter on front porch or lawn, garbage cans that are routinely visible from the street, routinely tall (unmowed grass), unused satellite dishes on roof, etc.
What kind of work will the matching grant cover?
All work must be approved by submitting a "Final Application" and the block must receive an award letter of a "Block Challenge Grant."
All work must be seen by the street.
Examples include: front doors, soffits, gutters, landscaping, paint, windows, shutters, flower boxes, lighting, etc.
Are there things the Block Challenge will not cover?
Yes, this list is not exhaustive. Fulton Block Builders will not fund projects that remove greenspace, or trees or the loss of architectural features or application of new vinyl siding, (if siding is currently on your home, FBB will support washing and repair) without prior approval.
Can I put on a new roof? Can I put in a new driveway? Can I add a porch? Can I take down a dead tree?
These kinds of activities may or may not change the architectural features of a property; therefore, each must be discussed on an individual basis and have prior approval.
Where can I go to get discounts on materials I buy for my project?
In addition to matching funds, participants will be eligible to receive special discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. A list of sponsors and the applicable discounts will be available on your award letter.
Can Landlords participate?
Yes.
Can renters participate?
No. You must be the property owner to apply. You can, however, encourage your landlord to get on board with this, and are very welcome to attend all Block parties.
Is there a limit of homeowners in a Block?
Yes, 15 properties maximum per Block.
If you go over this number, your Block application will automatically be denied.
How does Paint Fulton (Find Your Color) work?
Paint Fulton provides City of Fulton residents with a selection of historic color schemes to use for painting their homes. ANY HOMEOWNER in the city will be eligible for grant awards that use these historic colors. Homeowners can fill out a simple application, and if the project is completed by October 31, will receive up to $500 reimbursement check. Awardees will have a photo of their home featured on the Fulton Block Builders website and Facebook page.
Susan Arena, the Historical Architect that has put the colors together for the city of Fulton.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Linda Eagan, fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com
Homeowners must have approval from Linda if they want to mix or add paints from the approved palettes in any way.
Paint Fulton Applications must be submitted at the time the Final Application is submitted.
Homeowners that are NOT a part of a Block Challenge can apply for Paint Fulton as a stand alone.
I've heard there may be a financial bonus for houses on corners or very large houses, is that true?
Yes. There could be a bonus to homeowners that are located on corners or will make a large "impact" on the city due to their size. The amount of the bonus will be determined by the Application Selection Committee and homeowners will be notified of the amount when the Block Challenge Award letters go out.
Homeowners are asked to state that they are on a corner or one of the city's large homes on the final application. Pictures are encouraged.
TARGET AREAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Target Areas are simply starting points for revitalization efforts. FBB does not have the funds to target every area in Fulton at once. The targeted areas were delineated strategically because they are "Tipping Blocks." These are areas for which revitalization can be successful at moderate cost. They typically contain a critical mass of homeowners and housing strengths from which revitalization efforts have a chance to build. FBB stated earlier that as Target Areas become stronger, those Areas will be modified and expanded to include more zones in Fulton.
How were Target Areas chosen?
Target Areas were identified by using data recommended by the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative. Target Areas were chosen based upon housing conditions, current housing market strength, and the presence of residents in the areas who show evidence of commitment to performing the revitalization work.
My neighborhood is in a Target Area, are we guaranteed funding?
No application is guaranteed funding. However, priority for funding will be given to strong applications that are located within Target Areas. Funding for Block Challenge grants are competitive and depend upon the number of applications and funding available.
My neighborhood is not in a Target Area, are we not eligible for funding?
Priority for funding will be in the Target Areas. However, strong applications from committed residents on streets/blocks will also be considered. Each year, FBB awards grants to ½ of the funded blocks in the target areas and ½ outside.
