Applications Accepted: November 21, 2022–January 13, 2023

DOWNLOAD THE FILLABLE APPLICATION FORM HERE

Upper Arlington is a community that values diversity, welcomes everyone and desires to ensure that anyone who lives in UA, works in UA or visits UA feels included and at home. To build on those qualities, the City of Upper Arlington created the Community Relations Committee in 2020. Comprised of nine community volunteers, the CRC’s purpose is to “promote understanding, mutual respect and a sense of belonging among all residents to affirm the value of each individual and foster a culture of shared community.”

Fostering and promoting a welcoming community cannot be done by government alone. It requires involvement from community members and organizations. To encourage more community involvement, the City – with guidance from the Community Relations Committee – established the Community Relations Innovation Small Grant Program in 2022 to support community-based, innovative approaches to fulfilling the CRC’s Purpose, Mission and Vision.

Two entities received a grant in 2022: Rainbow UA received a grant of $5,000 in support of their UA Pride special event, held on June 5; and the Upper Arlington Schools received a grant of $2,500 in Support of its November 16 Longest Table event at the High School.

As 2022 draws to a close, the City has begun accepting applications for the 2023 grant cycle. This program is designed to create opportunity spaces for new initiatives, as well as enhancements to existing community programs and events. The CRC Innovation Small Grant Program will provide grants of $1,000 – $5,000 to organizations seeking funding for projects that will achieve one or more of the following goals: 

1. INFORMATION:Increase UA residents’ knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within UA and throughout Central Ohio. 
2. INVITING:Increase the number, type, and quality of positive interactions by non-residents with the UA community. 
3. INCLUSION:Increase the sense of belonging and inclusion of all UA citizens with special focus on non-majority residents and those without pre-existing connections to UA. 

 Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 13, 2023. Successful applicants will be announced at the February 23 Community Relations Committee Meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office, at 614-583-5040.