The Non-Profit Grant Program

The Bellville Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) offers a Non-Profit Grant Program to support local non-profits contributing to Bellville’s economic growth. Eligible projects, including construction, repairs, landscaping, and infrastructure upgrades, can receive up to 100% funding for the first $20,000 in qualifying costs, with potential additional funding up to $50,000.

To apply, download the BEDC Non-Profit Grant Application and Guidelines or complete the online form below. For follow-up, email lkuciemba@bellvilleedc.com.

BELLVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NON-PROFIT GRANT APPLICATION

The Bellville EDC Non-Profit Grant Application and Guidelines 2024 provides detailed instructions for non-profit organizations in Bellville, Texas, to apply for grants aimed at supporting economic growth and community development. Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 for improvements such as building renovations, structural repairs, and facility enhancements. The application process requires information about the non-profit's operations, project details, and financial contributions, with grants awarded based on their potential economic impact and adherence to specified guidelines.

Formal Entity Name:

Provide the legal name of the non-profit organization applying for the grant.

Type of Entity:

(Corporation, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company, DBA, etc.)

Mailing Address:

Enter the official mailing address of the organization.

Location in the City of Bellville ( or ETJ) for which the improvement is being requested. Street Address:

Specify the exact street address within Bellville or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction where the proposed improvement project will take place.

New or existing non-profit in Bellville:

New

Existing

Indicate whether the non-profit organization is newly established or already existing within Bellville.

Non-Profit has been in operation for how many years?

If the non-profit is brand new, indicate "0 years"; otherwise, state the number of years, such as 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years.

Existing # of jobs (if applicable):

Provide the current number of full-time and part-time jobs, as well as the number of new full-time and part-time jobs that will be created by the proposed project. For example, if your non-profit currently has 5 full-time and 3 part-time employees, and the project will create 2 new full-time and 1 new part-time job, you would fill it out as shown: Existing # of jobs (if applicable): Full-time: 5 Part-time: 3 New jobs (Full-time): 2 New jobs (Part-time): 1

If leased facility, provide the following information:

If leased facility, provide the following information: Provide the name of the current landlord, the landlord's address, and the landlord's contact phone number. For example, Current Landlord: John Doe, Address: 123 Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418, Phone Number: (123) 456-7890.

Proposed Improvements (only include improvements that qualify under the Guidelines and Criteria for the Non-Profit Grant Program in Description and Cost below):

Provide a detailed description of the proposed improvements, ensuring they meet the specified guidelines and criteria of the grant program. Include the type of improvements and their purpose in the description.

Estimated Total Project Improvement Cost:

Provide the total estimated cost for the proposed project improvements.

Amount to be contributed by Non-Profit:

Specify the amount of funding that the non-profit organization will contribute towards the project improvements.

Requested Amount of BEDC grant:

Indicate the amount of funding being requested from the BEDC for the project improvements. The grant can cover up to 100% of the first $20,000 in qualifying costs and up to 50% of any amounts over $20,000, with the total grant amount not exceeding $50,000. Ensure that the requested amount aligns with these funding limits and is justified by the project’s scope and financial needs. **EXAMPLE**: If your total project improvement cost is $40,000, you can request $20,000 for the first portion and 50% of the remaining $20,000, which is $10,000, making the total requested amount $30,000.

Planned Start Date:

Provide the anticipated start date for the project improvements.

Estimated Completion Date:

Provide the anticipated date by which the project improvements will be completed.

Will the grant be used to build or improve a sports, entertainment or convention facility, auditorium, concert hall, theater, museum or park that will be available to the public?

Yes

If yes, explain, how the proposed improvement will attract people to the facility/venue and promote the economic growth of Bellville.

Describe how the improvements will enhance the facility or venue, making it more attractive to visitors and thereby boosting local tourism, increasing foot traffic, and contributing to the overall economic growth and development of Bellville.

If no, explain how the proposed improvement will create new businesses or expand existing businesses in Bellville.

If the grant will not be used for public facilities, describe how the proposed improvements will foster the creation of new businesses or the expansion of existing businesses within Bellville.

Applications for grants of $10,000 or more should include an operating plan with a brief description/history of the Non-Profit, current/future plans, days and hours of operation, projected revenues and expenditures and a breakdown of improvements that wil1 be made with the BEDC Grant.

For grant requests of $10,000 or more, provide an operating plan that includes a summary of the non-profit's background, current and future initiatives, operating schedule, financial projections, and a detailed list of improvements to be funded by the BEDC Grant.

Please provide any additional information regarding APPLICANT'S funding request that may be helpful:

Include any further details or context that could support the funding request, such as unique aspects of the project, additional benefits to the community, or specific challenges the grant will help address.

Is the APPLICANT required to collect and pay sales tax?

Yes

Indicate whether the non-profit organization is obligated to collect and pay sales tax.

If yes, provide estimated annual sales tax to be collected and note how determined.

If the non-profit is required to collect and pay sales tax, specify the estimated annual amount of sales tax to be collected and explain the method used to determine this estimate.

Has APPLICANT previously applied for a BEDC grant?

Yes

Indicate whether the non-profit organization has applied for a BEDC grant in the past.

As part of this application, APPLICANT represents to BEDC the following:

(A) APPLICANT has received a copy of the BEDC’s Guidelines and Criteria for the Non Profit Grant Program. APPLICANT acknowledges to BEDC that in making this application APPLICANT understands the terms and provisions thereof, and all questions relating to any needed interpretation thereof have been answered by authorized representatives of BEDC prior to the submission of this application.

(B) The BEDC does not require you to secure outside legal or accounting advice to complete this application. If the APPLICANT feels such advice is needed, the APPLICANT should secure such legal, accounting, and/or other advice that may be necessary for APPLICANT to determine the desirability of making this application and/or accurately and correctly answering any questions as hereinafter set out. APPLICANT acknowledges that it has completely relied on the advice and counsel of experts and/or appropriate persons retained, employed, or compensated by APPLICANT, and that it has not relied upon, nor is APPLICANT now attempting to rely upon the advice and counsel of BEDC, its servants, agents, employees, and/or elected or appointed officers.

(C) By signing this document “Application for Non-Profit Grant”, APPLICANT acknowledges and verifies that all of the facts, information, and allegations as herein set out are true, correct and accurate. APPLICANT further acknowledges and understands that any materially false or misleading statements of fact may be considered a violation of the criminal laws of the State of Texas.

(D) If APPLICANT is a corporate entity, APPLICANT swears and affirms that all applicable franchise taxes or other taxes paid for the privilege of conducting business have been fully paid, and that the APPLICANT is fully authorized to transact business in the State of Texas, and in the state of incorporation if different from the State of Texas. In addition, APPLICANT, whether a corporate entity, partnership, or other legal type business entity, or an individual, acknowledges and verifies that it is current on all current tax obligations, assessments, or other governmental levies and assessments, and that the same have paid when due and payable, and that no delinquencies exist at this time.

(E) APPLICANT hereby certifies that APPLICANT does not and will not knowingly employ an undocumented worker. An “undocumented worker” shall mean an individual who, at the time of employment, is not:

(a) lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or
(b) authorized under the law to be employed in that manner in the United States.

APPLICANT understands and agrees that if, after receiving a Business Improvement Grant, APPLICANT is convicted of a violation under 8 U.S.C. Section 1324a(f), the APPLICANT will repay the amount of the grant with interest, at the rate of 12% per annum, within 120 days after the BEDC notifies the APPLICANT of the violation. The BEDC has the right to recover court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees as a result of any civil action required to recover such repayment. If this Application is approved, the terms of the Non-Profit Grant will be included in a Performance Agreement to be signed by an authorized representative of the APPLICANT.

APPLICANT and owner/landlord indemnify, defend and hold BEDC harmless from any IiabiJity, injury, claim, expenses and attorney’s fees arising out of a contractor, builder or contract for performance of improvements, or repair to buildings and facilities.

BEDC has delivered a copy of the Guidelines and Criteria for the Non-Profit Grant Program to APPLICANT for review, and the delivery hereof does not constitute an offer of an improvement grant.

The laws of the State of Texas shall govern the interpretation, validity, performance and enforcement of the application for business improvement grant program. If any provision of this Application for the Non-Profit Grant Program should be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the validity and
enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Application shall not be affected thereby.