The City of Birmingham announces grant program; to host interest meeting on July 21
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The City of Birmingham is accepting proposals for its 2022-2023 Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) grant program. BOLD was launched in 2018 by the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity to allocate funding to partner organizations dedicated to economic development within the city. Proposals will be accepted in six focus areas: small businesses; women, minority, and disadvantaged business enterprises; workforce development; overcoming barriers; Birmingham neighborhoods; and data-driven innovation.
“Birmingham’s business community is the lifeblood of our city. We are committed to their sustainability and this is just one of many ways,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “I am thrilled to offer funding to support organizations that are being innovative in how their serve our residents and visitors. When Birmingham businesses thrive, our city thrives.”
In its four years, BOLD has had an economic impact of $10 million dollars among its 34 funded organizations. And, the program was recently allocated up to $1 million in the city’s FY23 budget.
“BOLD funding directly supports organizations operating and piloting creative and innovative solutions to serving Birmingham’s most acute social and economic needs,” said Cornell Wesley. Director of IEO. “The Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity remains focused on eliminating barriers for our residents by infusing valuable resources into the community, and prioritizing increased economic mobility for every individual and family in Birmingham. The BOLD program allows us to be creative in funding community-based and people-centric solutions.”
The BOLD program is committed to helping area businesses and organizations develop strong proposals by hosting grant writing workshops and offering support during office hours. Projects are selected by a committee composed of members of both the mayor’s office and the city council administration.
Parties interested in learning more should attend the public meeting via Webex on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 2 p.m., or visit https://www.birminghamal.gov/bold. Questions and feedback may be submitted to BOLD@birminghamal.gov.
