Christiana Neighborhood Curb Appeal Awards

We are pleased to announce the establishment of a new trial granting program, Christiana Neighborhood Curb Appeal Awards. This is designed as a 2-year test trial program beginning April 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Elkhart property owners and residents for properties INSIDE the yellow boundary line of the map below. 

It is important that all eligible parties understand that rental residents are allowed to apply for these awards, but the property owners are required to sign the award acceptance agreement before money is awarded.  Note, the boundaries of the "Christiana Neighborhood" is an arbitrary definition developed by the Ruthmere Foundation, and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Foundation.  

What Can These Awards Be Used For?
As the name implies, these awards are intended to be used to enhance the "curb appeal" or the "street front" areas of properties within the Christiana Neighborhood.  The purpose behind this requirement is so that the funded improvement can be for the benefit of not just the property owner and resident, but for the benefit of the ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Good ideas include landscape improvements such as fixing/painting porches, address number signs, doors and windows or siding remodeling, Holiday lights, planting flowers, window/porch flowerboxes, hardscapes or water features, driveways and walkways, small lawn maintenance equipment such as push lawnmower/trimmer, even something as simple as installing a new flag or banner bracket along with the flag you intend to hang.  If you have a creative new idea, we will be happy to consider it.  It's worth repeating, this improvement MUST be located on the street frontage side (or sides if located on a corner) of the property to be eligible.

Awards will not be given for non-visible improvements such as but not limited to: interior improvements, purchase of appliances, plumbing, heating/cooling mechanical systems, eco-friendly or energy saving equipment designed to improve functionality or utility costs such as solar or geothermal systems, exterior improvements not readily visible to or impacting the street front side of the property.  We also discourage applications for expensive projects that may have short term benefits, but long-term maintenance costs such as irrigation systems. 

How Much Will These Awards Be and When Will It Be Paid?
For 2024 we have a donation pool of $6,000 to award.  We anticipate that these awards will be in the $300-$500 range, but at this point that is an estimate and is subject to change.  Award winners will receive 50% of your full award before you start your improvement, and the remaining 50% upon successful completion of the project and submission of the completion report.

How Easy Will the Application Process Be?
In two words--VERY EASY!   The application itself will be very short and must include a "before photo(s)" to show the current appearance along with a description of your improvement and a price estimate.   If you are a renter applicant, we will require that your property owner sign off on the proposal before receiving the award.  After you have completed your project, you will be asked to submit a short form including "after photos" as well as a copies of receipts for materials expenses or contracted services paid for by the award.  That's it!  

Schedule for 2023-2025 Christiana Neighborhood Curb Appeal Awards
*4/1/2023 - Program Launch at Christiana Neighborhood Day - Collection of community donations and solicitation of partner granting foundations begins.  These monies are collected throughout 2023 to generate the award pool money for 2024 projects. $3,000 was raised!

*12/31/2023 - Closing of first year solicitations ends.  Ruthmere Foundation matches all raised dollars 1 to 1, hence doubling the available pool of award money for 2024 projects.  The entirety of this grant pool will be expended in 2024. Ruthmere Foundation matched with $3,000.  Total of $6,000 available for 2024 improvement projects!

*1/1/2024 - Applications are open for land owners and residents to submit proposals for use of award money.  Proposal ideas for awards are available throughout 2024 until award pool money is exhausted.  Awards are announced on an ongoing basis.

*1/1/2024 - Collection of community donations and solicitation of partner granting foundations begins for 2025 grants.  These monies are collected throughout 2024 to generate the award pool for 2025.

*12/31/2024 - Closing of second year solicitations ends.  Ruthmere Foundation matches all raised dollars 1 to 1, hence doubling the available pool of award money for 2025 projects.  The entirety of this award pool money will be expended in 2025.

*1/1/2025 - Applications are open for land owners and residents to submit proposals for use of award money.  Proposal ideas for awards are available throughout 2025 until award pool money is exhausted.  Awards are announced on an ongoing basis.

*All 2025 funded projects must be completed by 11/30/2025.  

How Do I Donate to this Neighborhood Award Program?
To make a donation to the Christiana Neighborhood Curb Appeal Award Program, simply fill out the online donation form below and type "Neighborhood Awards" in the Comment box.  Thank you!!