The Alachua County Commission is seeking grant proposals from grassroots, non-governmental organizations and emerging small businesses as part of the Small Grant Initiative (SGI). SGI aims to support organizations serving Alachua County residents living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. 

Organizations are limited to one application with a maximum award of $15,000. The funds are intended for one-time capacity building, or infrastructure improvements impacting safe and affordable housing, food, healthcare, or childcare and education. 

The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, and is subject to appropriation by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).  

An optional information session covering the application process, using the application site and tips for a successful proposal will be held in the Alachua County Community Support Services Conference Room A at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16.  

The meeting will also be available online using Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 277 790 237 893 Passcode: 5v3Pd3), or participants can phone in at 469-998-7938 (conference ID: 915 246 106#). 

The SGI link on the OpenGov website has application rules and instructions, including the complete Request for Applications (RFA) document. Interested vendors are encouraged to read all related documents prior to beginning an application. Small businesses interested in applying must have 25 or fewer permanent, full-time employees and a net worth not exceeding $1 million.   

All FY 25-26 SGI applications must be completed and submitted electronically via OpenGov by 2 p.m. on July 31. No late proposals will be accepted and proposals that do not meet the grant criteria will be rejected.  

For more information, contact CAPP/CHOICES Program Manager Jaye Athy at 352-264-6707 or jathy@alachuacounty.us.