2024 REGROW Grant Program

The City of Rockford is inviting applications for the 2024 Rockford REGROW Grant Program, which is funded by the Cannabis Fund. This program is designed to support community reinvestment and wealth creation in areas that have been disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition laws over the past 80 years. The grant aims to address the long-lasting negative impacts of cannabis-related arrests, convictions, and sentencing on specific communities, acknowledging the harm caused by cannabis criminalization and stigmatization. The total funding available for this cycle is $500,000, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The primary purpose of the Rockford REGROW Grant Program is to aid communities that have suffered due to historical cannabis policies. The objectives include fostering economic and business development, enhancing education and job training, and providing housing and health assistance to individuals and families impacted by these laws. Additionally, the program seeks to reduce gun violence and concentrated poverty in Rockford through targeted investments and intervention programs. The grants will also support initiatives that promote employment infrastructure and capacity building related to the social determinants of health.

Funding under this program is divided into two tiers. Tier 1 offers ten quick deployment grants of $10,000 each for smaller, shorter-term projects. Tier 2 includes four one-year grants of $50,000 each and two two-year grants of $100,000 each. The funds can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including economic development, violence prevention services, youth development, and community health initiatives. However, certain costs are unallowable, such as political activities, the purchase of cannabis inventory, alcoholic beverages, and real estate.

Eligibility for the Rockford REGROW Grant Program is open to both non-profit and for-profit entities of any size. This includes community-based organizations, individuals, firms, teams, and consultants. Newly formed groups or initiatives with fiscal sponsorship from a non-profit entity are also eligible to apply. The program encourages multi-entity collaborations and innovative approaches to existing services, as well as the exploration of new initiatives.

Applicants must adhere to specific submission requirements, which include providing detailed information about their proposed projects and how they align with the program's objectives. The application process will include questions that assess the project's potential impact on the community and its alignment with the goals of the grant program. Evaluation criteria will focus on the feasibility, sustainability, and overall benefit of the proposed initiatives.

The application deadline for the 2024 Rockford REGROW Grant Program is October 22, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions in advance to ensure they meet the deadline. For further information, applicants can contact the program office via email or phone. The program aims to foster a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can emerge to address the challenges faced by impacted communities in Rockford.