The Rodney Fernandez Community Building Fund Mini-Grant and Education Scholarship Programs

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is excited to launch the Rodney Fernandez Community Building Fund (RFCBF) aimed at building CEDC residents’ leadership capacity through two channels - a Mini-Grant Program and Education Scholarships.

The RFCBF creation honors Rodney Fernandez’s legacy of improving the lives of thousands by using a community building approach to developing quality homes for low-income individuals and families. Rodney Fernandez is CEDC’s founding Executive Director who recently retired after 30 years of service. The RFCBF will continue his work and strong belief in cultivating the leadership capacity of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) residents to improve, not only their own lives, but their communities and beyond. NeighborWorks® America initiated the RFCBF with a $10,000 donation, which was presented at CEDC’s NeighborWorks® Week Community Event on June 4, 2011. Individual and business donations along with CEDC 2012 calendar sales profits raised another $5,000 for a total of $15,000 to distribute in 2012.

“Applications for Mini-Grants and Education Scholarships are now open. The Mini-Grants are available for CEDC rental residents under our property management to apply. They are open from February 15 to April 30. The Education Scholarship are available for all CEDC residents both rental and for-sale in CEDC developed properties. They are open from March 1 to March 31.”

What is the Mini-Grant Program?

Mini-Grants for 2012 are funding awarded to rental resident projects that will aim to improve applicants’ community or self (personal leadership development). Applicants may be an individual or a group of residents who want to collaborate on an improvement project or leadership development activity. The amount awarded to each group or individual applicant will depend on the scope and requirements of the project or leadership development activity. In FY 2012, a total of $5,000 is available for mini-grant awards. Mini-grant applications will be accepted from February 15-April 30, with grant awards announced by June 1.

Award Parameters

a. The project leader for the group applying for the project must be a resident of a CEDC rental property.
b. Either groups or individuals can apply.
c. Projects can last up to six months with the possibility of one six month extension if needed
d. Projects must be completed within 12 months from the time funding is awarded.

“For more information on the specific goals and components of the Mini-Grant Program and what you need to do to apply download the application by clicking here for the English version and here for the Spanish.”

What is the Education Scholarship Program?

Education Scholarships are annual scholarships given to residents, who have confirmed enrollment in accredited education institutions with the desire to better themselves and their communities through educational achievement. In FY 2012, a total of $10,000 is available for scholarships. Award sizes: $2,500 for a Graduate program, $1,000 for an Undergraduate program and $500 for a Vocational program. Education Scholarship applications will be accepted from March 1-31 with scholarship awards announced by May 1.

Award Parameters

a. Must be a CEDC Resident

b. Open to incoming freshmen to an undergraduate program through adults re-entering school.

 c. Must have applied to an accredited education institution in a Graduate, Undergraduate, or Vocational program. Award will be made upon acceptance and enrollment.

d. 2.0 minimum GPA or proven equivalent academic aptitude.

e. Applicant may apply annually while in school (no limitations on number of times awarded per applicant).

f. Scholarships must be used within 12 months from time awarded.

For more information about the Education Scholarship Program and what you need to do to apply download the application by clicking here for an English version and here for a Spanish version.