For more than 15 years, Sarasota County has provided matching grant opportunities to help improve communities and neighborhoods. This month, the county is preparing for the next round of grants by offering application seminars. 

Applicants must attend a two-hour application seminar to be eligible for the program, which awards up to $10,000 in matching funds to a single neighborhood. The seminars have been approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a continuing education course for community association managers. Seminars will be offered during the months of February, March and April.

The most common projects relate to Florida-Friendly landscaping or pond improvements, according to grant program coordinator Miranda Lansdale. The program also offers opportunities for sign renovations, enhancements to preserves and community gardens, crime prevention education, historic preservation projects and more.

Last year, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners awarded nearly all of the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program's $99,000 to 14 neighborhoods throughout the county.