[OMS_MANAGERS] Funnel Donations into small grants for businesses?

[Director LGMSD]

Hello everyone,

I don't initiate chains in this list often, so I hope I'm doing this right.
Here in La Grande our Public Works department wants to work with Downtown
restaurants to get them safe and accessible outdoor seating; this will, in
the upcoming summer months, allow them a lot more flexibility in expanding
sit down patronage while staying within the safety guidelines (we're now in
phase 1!).

Our Board and Design committee have noticed that one barrier to this
program is wherever a business may need to pay to have existing street
furniture removed to make room for tables/chairs that allow ADA access. We
want to start a program where community members can donate to a fund that
we hold, to then disburse to qualifying businesses as small grants to help
them get their furniture moved.

Has anyone here had success with anything similar? We mainly want to be
sure we're maintaining accountability and legality in giving out small
grants to private businesses. Would also appreciate an application form to
work from as a head start.

Thanks so much,
Taylor Scroggins, Executive Director
La Grande Main Street Downtown
102 Depot St
Office 541-963-1223
Cell 541-975-4591
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