Neighborhood STAR Program

2024 Application Information

1. Timeline

   • Guidelines and application questions published: Friday, March 1, 2024
   • Application period begins: Friday, April 5, 2024
   • Virtual applicant workshop: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
   • Application deadline: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.
   • Applicant interviews: June 5-19, 2024 (specific dates and times to be determined)
   • Anticipated project dates: September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2026 (timing contingent on approval of funding by City Council)
     

2. Highlights for 2024

   • Neighborhood STAR remains a grants-only program.
   • Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds.
   • Grant requests greater than $50,000 require a 1:1 match (for example, a grant request of $55,000 would require a match of $55,000).
      

3. Pre-proposal workshop

   A virtual applicant workshop for the 2024 Neighborhood STAR program was held on Wednesday, April 10. Watch the recording or view the slides. The questions and answers from the session have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

4. Application details

   The 2024 Neighborhood STAR application is now available and will remain open until Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.

   Applications will only be accepted online through ZoomGrants. For reference only, applicants can view a PDF version of the application questions in English, Spanish, Hmong/Hmoob, Somali, or Karen.

   It is STRONGLY suggested you submit your proposal ahead of the deadline to avoid technical issues. The web portal is frequently overloaded on the last day of the application period, which may result in applicants being unable to submit proposals in time. Late applications are not accepted.

   An application fee of $75 is required for proposals requesting $25,000 or less, and a $125.00 fee is required for each application requesting more than $25,000. All fees are non-refundable.

   A check should be made payable to the order of the City of Saint Paul and mailed to:

   Attn: Erin Lewis, Neighborhood STAR Program 
   City of Saint Paul Planning and Economic Development Department
   25 W 4th Street, Suite 1300
   Saint Paul, MN 55102

   Please indicate in the memo line that the check is for the NSTAR application fee.

5. Helpful application resources

   • Understand the application process by reviewing the Neighborhood STAR application flowchart.
   • Review the sample applications to see past examples of strong applications.
   • Study the program guidelines for more insight into the goals of the program and elements of a successful application. The guidelines are also available in Spanish, Hmong/Hmoob, Somali, and Karen.
   • If you require assistance with or access to technology, please visit a Saint Paul Public Library for free computer and internet access. Community Specialists are available to assist Saint Paul residents with extra support and resources, including talking with residents in their native language.
   • To show that your business or organization is in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, check their “Search for a Business” tool. Use the search bar to find your business, click on the active link to your organization, and screenshot or save the profile page.
   • Review the sample documents that may assist with your application and project planning:
     • Sample STAR Contract
     • Sample STAR Statement of Work
     • Sample Insurance Certificate
     • Sample Conflict of Interest Form
     • Sample Reimbursement Form
     • Sample Closing Fee Invoice
     • W9 Form
     • Sample Project Pro Forma

6. ZoomGrants resources

   View the ZoomGrants tutorial for technical questions about the online application.