Davenport Institute Announces 2015 Public Engagement Grant Application Period

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy has announced its 2015 Public Engagement Grant Program application period. Deadline is September 14, 2015. Up to $50,000 will be awarded in funded consulting services to California cities, counties, special districts, and civic organizations looking to conduct legitimate public processes on issues ranging from budgets to land use to public safety to water policy.

From difficult budget decisions to tough land use problems, municipal and civic institutions are recognizing that legitimately engaging their citizens - from discovering their informed opinions, to inviting their participation in actual solutions - should be a pragmatic priority. Still, the tight budgets that most require these public discussions can also preclude them when municipalities decide that engaging residents is just "too expensive." Made possible through funding from the James Irvine Foundation's California Democracy Fund, the Davenport Institute Public Engagement Grants seek to help municipalities overcome that hurdle.

Starting in 2008 (then conducted through Common Sense California), the grants have been used in communities from Humboldt County to San Diego and from San Francisco to Riverside. This year, the Institute anticipates awarding 2-4 grants. The minimum individual grant amount will be $5,000 and the maximum individual grant amount will be $20,000. Prior to beginning their public engagement campaign, grantees will receive training and consultation from the Davenport Institute to build understanding and support for the civic engagement effort amongst both administrative staff and elected officials. 

For more information and to apply, click here.