HUNTINGTON -- Create Huntington's Board of Connectors approved last week its first matching grant of $500 for a community project. It was given to the Huntington Area Revitalization Committee to beautify Harris Riverfront Park.

The grant is matched by a grant awarded to the Revitalization Committee from the EPO Semmes Foundation in Jacksonville, Fla.

The committee has donated more than 500 volunteer hours toward beautifying Huntington over the past several years. Project areas include City Hall, 9th Street Plaza, Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Harris Riverfront Park.

Create Huntington's community project grants are open to any community organizations or group of volunteers working on projects that improve the quality of life in Huntington. Grant applications are reviewed by the Create Huntington Board of Connectors and will be awarded based on criteria such as the project's impact on the community, the ability of the group to complete and sustain the project, the quality of project plan, and the support for the project as documented by in-kind and volunteer support. Community project grants are provided on a one-to-one matching basis, up to $500, requiring the group or person requesting assistance to raise at least as much as they are requesting.

Scholarship grants are open to individuals and representatives of community groups who are participating in training or attending seminars and conferences that will benefit Create Huntington initiatives. Scholarship grants are limited to 50 percent of the total costs, up to $250.

To learn more, visit www.createhuntington.com/matching_funds.php.

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