We know that managing a community project is a big responsibility, and we are here to support you at every stage of the process. This section explains the training, reporting, and financial steps you need to complete to successfully finish your project and be reimbursed. 

Technical Assistance Training (Required)

For the upcoming 2026–2027 Empowerment Grant award cycle, the Neighborhood Services Department provides free technical assistance training to all grantees. Through this required training, you will learn about grant financials, volunteer and community participation, project implementation, and leadership capacity building. This training is provided at no cost thanks to grant funding through the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. 

Receiving Grant Funding

Empowerment Grant Awards are reimbursable, meaning funds are paid out after project activity occurs and proof of payment is submitted and approved. The final invoices and reporting are due no later than 30 days after the grant project period ends. 

Organizations are allowed to request an advance payment of up to 50% of the total grant award; this is made as a one-time deposit to the grantee to help cover the beginning project and programmatic costs. 

Grantees should be prepared to cover project expenses with their own funds while waiting for reimbursement.

Important Deadlines

• July 1, 2026: All contract documents must be submitted
• April 30, 2027: All project activities must be finished 
• May 30, 2027: All final receipts and paperwork must be submitted (this is 30 days after your project concludes) 

Reporting Requirements

Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports (every three months) on project activity, including a virtual or in-person meetings with the Neighborhood Services Department to go over progress, difficulties encountered, and any needed support and adjustments to the grant award.

Report your progress with this online form.

Rules for All Awards

• Budget: No more than 10% of the grant award may be used for administrative costs.
• Contracting: To sign a contract with the City, you must submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, Certificate of General Liability Insurance, and a W-9 form. 

For Awards of $5,000 or More

In addition to the documents required for all awards, your organization must prove you follow federal hiring laws by including:

• Employee Eligibility Verification Affidavit: A notarized document regarding legal workers. Note: You must submit this even if your group has no paid employees. 
• E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Proof you are registered with the federal E-Verify system.

Payment Setup

To be reimbursed, you must submit a Vendor ACH Form and a voided or blank check. This allows the City to process payment directly to your organization.