Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application
Calendar Year 2026
Application Deadline for Spring Cycle (#2): Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Tha
nk you for your interest in hosting a Block Party under the Neighborhood Grant Program. Please thoroughly review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your group qualifies for funding, available here (need link to guidelines document).
Gra
nt decisions are based upon a competitive review process; this application and any attachments are intended to be the primary subject of evaluating your application. The City will accept applications through Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in June 2026. For questions, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7599.
Blo
ck parties are intended to be smaller events within a neighborhood group so residents that live within close proximity to each other may further develop their relationship and communication. Review Block Party guidelines on the city website - https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets-and-property/neighborhood- resources/block-party-permit. Maximum funding per block party is $500 and applications must be signed by a neighborhood group leader listed in the annual registration form. If you are unsure if your registered neighborhood association has submitted its maximum number of applications allowed, please talk with your neighborhood association leader or email staff at [email protected] Block Party
Tier Level # Households Maximum # of Applications
Tier 1 Under 250 2
Tier 2 251 – 499 4
Tier 3 500 & Over 6
Fun
ding priority is neighborhood grants and only if funding is still available will block party applications be considered.
Not
e: If the Block Party will provide food, contact the Santa Clara County, Dept. of Environmental Health to ensure safety conditions are met. This is a Santa Clara County requirement. Info. on their website - https://deh.santaclaracounty.gov/food-and-retail/compliance-retail-food-operations/temporary-food- events-facility-compliance-and. For more questions, contact them via email, [email protected].
Com
plete applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Mail or Drop Off in Person:
Sunnyvale Community Center (Recreation Center Front Desk) Attn: Recreation Services Administration
550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087
Email: [email protected]
Attachment 5
Name of Neighborhood Group or Association:
Name of Individual Submitting Application:
Individual’s Email: Phone:
Grant Amount Requesting from the City of Sunnyvale ($500 maximum): $ Based on the total number of households, which tier does your Neighborhood Group or Association fall under? ____ Tier 1 (under 250 households) _____ Tier 2 (251-499) ____ Tier 3 (500 & Over) Describe how the total number of households in your Neighborhood Group or Association is calculated.
Event Description:
1. Date, time and location of the Block Party.
2. What are the geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party.
3. What are the activities planned?
4. How many people or households are expected to attend?
5. Describe your outreach plan to generate participation.
6. Describe how the Block Party will achieve one or more of the following focus areas:
• Increase communication among neighbors
• Build bridges between cultures
• Improve the physical condition of the neighborhood
• Enhance neighborhood pride and identity
Cherry Chase - Morningside Drive
Alison Sigua
500
✔
Count of the homes on Morningside Drive between Grape Avenue & Lois Avenue.
TBD August/September. Party in the street that would be closed off.
Morningside Drive between Grape Ave and Lois Ave
Potluck, seed/plant swap, corn hole, activities for kids (coloring, board games, etc). 10-15 households
Posting on Nextdoor, CCNA Google Group, Print Flyers at each home on the block - Offer opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another; create a sense of community for the neighborhood.
- Offer opportunities for neighbors to share their favorite foods; with families from Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and China on our block, great opportunity to build cultural understanding through sharing meals!
- Plant/seed swap promotes people to think about their gardens and landscapes - native plant focus!
Attachment 5
Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application Budget Form
Please list the Block Party’s projected expenses using the form below. Note: This is a reimbursement grant.
All eligible receipts and invoices showing payment must be submitted for reimbursement within 30 days of the event and no later than December 31, 2026.
Project Expenses
Activity Estimated Costs
1. $
2. $
3. $
4. $
5. $
Estimated Total Expenses $
Amount Requested from the City of Sunnyvale $
Reviewed by Neighborhood Association or Group leader. In order to facilitate communication and coordination within a registered neighborhood association or group, all Block Party applications must be reviewed and signed by a leader listed in the current registration form.
Applications that are not signed by a leader listed in the current registration form are incomplete and will not be considered for funding. To find the current leader, you can refer to the Neighborhood Association Map and Contact List posted on the City of Sunnyvale webpage. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov. and put “Neighborhood Association” in the search bar.
Name of Neighborhood Association or Group Leader: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________________
Date: ________________
Plant / Seed Swap Supplies 200.00
Cornhole / Outdoor Games 150.00
Beverages 75.00
Various supplies 125.00
500.00
500.00
Attachment 5
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Attachment 5
Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application
Calendar Year 2026
Application Deadline for Fall Cycle (#1): Friday, October 10, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Block Party under the Neighborhood Grant Program. Please thoroughly review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your group qualifies for funding, available here (need link to guidelines document).
Grant decisions are based upon a competitive review process; this application and any attachments are intended to be the primary subject of evaluating your application. The City will accept applications through Friday, October 10, 2025, by 5 p.m. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in Jan./Feb. 2026. For questions, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7599.
Block parties are intended to be smaller events within a neighborhood group so residents that live within close proximity to each other may further develop their relationship and communication. Review Block Party guidelines on the city website -https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets-and-property/neighborhood- resources/block-party-permit. Maximum funding per block party is $500 and applications must be signed by a neighborhood group leader listed in the annual registration form.
Block Party
Tier Level # Households Maximum # of Applications
Tier 1 Under 250 2
Tier 2 251 – 499 4
Tier 3 500 & Over 6
Funding priority is neighborhood grants and only if funding is still available will block party applications be considered.
Note: If the Block Party will provide food, contact the Santa Clara County, Dept. of Environmental Health to ensure safety conditions are met. This is a Santa Clara County requirement. Info. on their website - https://deh.santaclaracounty.gov/food-and-retail/compliance-retail-food-operations/temporary-food- events-facility-compliance-and. For more questions, contact them via email, [email protected].
Complete applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Mail or Drop Off in Person:
Sunnyvale Community Center (Recreation Center Front Desk) Attn: Recreation Services Administration
550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087
Email: [email protected]
Name of Neighborhood Group or Association:
Attachment 5
Name of Individual Submitting Application:
Individual’s Email: Phone:
Grant Amount Requesting from the City of Sunnyvale ($500 maximum): $ Based on the total number of households, which tier does your Neighborhood Group or Association fall under? Tier 1 (under 250 households) Tier 2 (251-499) Tier 3 (500 & Over) Describe how the total number of households in your Neighborhood Group or Association is calculated.
Event Description:
Date, time and location of the Block Party.
What are the geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party.
What are the activities planned?
How many people or households are expected to attend?
Describe your outreach plan to generate participation.
Describe how the Block Party will achieve one or more of the following focus areas:
Increase communication among neighbors
Build bridges between cultures
Improve the physical condition of the neighborhood
Enhance neighborhood pride and identity
Attachment 5
Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application Budget Form
Please list the Block Party’s projected expenses using the form below. Note: This is a reimbursement grant.
All eligible receipts and invoices showing payment must be submitted for reimbursement within 30 days of the event and no later than December 31, 2026.
Project Expenses
Activity Estimated Costs
1. $
2. $
3. $
4. $
5. $
Estimated Total Expenses $
Amount Requested from the City of Sunnyvale $
Reviewed by Neighborhood Association or Group leader. In order to facilitate communication and coordination within a neighborhood association or group, all Block Party applications must be reviewed and signed by a leader listed in the current registration form.
Applications that are not signed by a leader listed in the current registration form are incomplete and will not be considered for funding. To find the current leader, you can refer to the Neighborhood Association Map and Contact List posted on the City of Sunnyvale webpage. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov. and put “Neighborhood Association” in the search bar.
Name of Neighborhood Association or Group Leader: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________________
Date: ________________
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
Attachment 5
1 Neighborhood Grant Program Block Party
Application Calendar Year 2026
Application Deadline for Spring Cycle (#2): Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Block Party under the Neighborhood Grant Program.
Please make sure you thoroughly review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your group qualifies for funding.
Grant decisions are based upon a competitive review process; this application and any attachments are intended to be the primary subject of evaluating your application. The City will accept applications through Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m., For questions, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7599.
Block parties are intended to be smaller events within a neighborhood group so residents that live within close proximity to each other may further develop their relationship and communication. Review Block Party guidelines on the city website https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets-and-property/neighborhood-resources/block - party-permit.
Maximum funding per block party is $500 and applications must be signed by a neighborhood group leader listed in the annual registration form. If you are unsure if your registered neighborhood association has submitted its maximum number of applications allowed, please talk with your neighborhood association leader or email staff at [email protected] Block Party
Tier Level # Households Maximum # of Applications
Tier 1 Under 250 2
Tier 2 251 499 4
Tier 3 500 & Over 6
Funding priority is neighborhood grants and only if funding is still available will block party applications be considered.
Note: If the Block Party will provide food, contact the Santa Clara County, Dept. of Environmental Health to ensure safety conditions are met. This is a Santa Clara County requirement. Info. on their website - https://deh.santaclaracounty.gov/food-and-retail/compliance-retail-food- operations/temporary-food-events-facility-compliance-and . For more questions, contact them via email, [email protected].
Complete applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Mail or Drop Off in Person:
Sunnyvale Community Center (Recreation Center Front Desk) Attn: Recreation Services Administration
550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087
Email: [email protected]
Attachment 5
2 Name of Neighborhood Group or Association:
Sunnyvale Neighbors of Arbor Including La Linda, (AKA SNAIL) Name of Individual Submitting Application:
Name: Dorit Chapman (Treasurer)
Email:
Phone Number:
Grant Amount Requesting from the City of Sunnyvale ($500 maximum): $ 500 Based on the total number of households, which tier does your Neighborhood Group or Association fall under?
Tier 1 (under 250 households) Tier 2 (251-499) Tier 3 (500 & Over) Describe how the total number of households in your Neighborhood Group or Association is calculated.
The number of households has grown in recent years,
partly due to the addition of two new housing
complexes on San Aleso. The SNAIL community now
includes more than 1,600 households, including 651
apartments across six complexes. However, the total
number of residents living in these apartments is not
currently available.
Event Description
1. Date, time and location of the Block Party
November 21 from 9:00 to 11:30AM on the 400 Block
of East Arbor
2. What are the geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party.
The geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party are those of the SNAIL community which are Fair Oaks, Mathilda, Maude, and Ahwanee Avenues.
Attachment 5
3 3. What are the activities planned?
The SNAIL Red Bow Project is a long-standing neighborhood tradition that began in 2001. This annual resident-led initiative brings together volunteers from across the SNAIL community to decorate neighborhood street trees with large red bows during the holiday season. The project fosters neighborhood pride, strengthens relationships among residents, and creates a welcoming and festive environment throughout the community.
The project is entirely volunteer-
neighborhood block representatives. Each year, beginning in early September, block representatives walk their streets to count the number of trees along each block. Because tree numbers change from year to year due to planting, removal, or maintenance, an updated inventory is conducted annually.
Once the tree counts are completed, volunteers review existing decoration supplies from prior years. Bows that remain in good condition are cleaned and stored for reuse, while worn or faded bows are retired. Based on the updated inventory, new weather-resistant bows are purchased to ensure the decorations remain durable and visually appealing throughout the season.
These are all-purpose indoor/outdoor use holiday bows.
These Christmas seasonal items that become available during the summer prior to the holidays and are often out of stock by the end of October.
Decorating takes place shortly after Thanksgiving. Volunteers attach large red bows with ribbons to curbside street trees across the SNAIL neighborhood, creating a cohesive and festive streetscape. The bows remain in place throughout the holiday season from the first weekend in December through the first or second weekend in January when volunteers remove them, clean them, and store them for reuse in future years.
Attachment 5
4 The Red Bow Project has expanded steadily over time thanks to community participation and previous neighborhood grants:
2012: SNAIL received its first neighborhood grant of $500, enabling volunteers to decorate major corridors including Borregas Avenue, Duane Avenue, and Morse Avenue. 2020: A second grant of $850 allowed the organization to replace bows damaged by weather exposure and expand decorations to approximately 700 trees, including additional interior residential streets.
2026, six years later: We are seeking funding to replace many of the bows currently in use as they have deteriorated due to sun, wind, and rain. During preparation for this grant cycle, volunteers conducted a new inventory and counted approximately 1,200 street trees within the SNAIL community.
Funding from this third grant will be used to replace the majority of aging bows that have become faded or worn, ensuring that the decorations remain vibrant, durable, and reflective -standing tradition of community celebration.
Through this project, residents come together each year to create a visible symbol of neighborhood connection and shared pride. The Red Bow Project continues to strengthen relationships among neighbors while bringing seasonal cheer to the entire community.
4. How many people or households are expected to attend? The supplies funded through this grant will
support the decoration of approximately
1,200 street trees throughout the SNAIL
neighborhood, bringing seasonal cheer to the
entire community.
volunteer Newsletter Block Representatives,
who coordinate the installation of bows and
ribbons along their streets. Last year, 25 block
representatives participated in decorating
neighborhood trees.
This year, because the first weekend after Thanksgiving falls in December, we anticipate greater availability among volunteers and are aiming to engage up to 55 block Attachment 5
5 These dedicated volunteers - work with neighbors on
their blocks to place decorations on the street trees. Through this collective effort, the project reaches the entire SNAIL neighborhood of approximately 1,200 households, ensuring that residents and visitors alike benefit from the festive display.
By expanding volunteer participation, the project not only increases the number of decorated trees but also strengthens neighbor-to-neighbor connections across multiple streets and blocks.
5. Describe your outreach plan to generate participation.
Our outreach plan is designed to encourage broad, inclusive participation across the SNAIL neighborhood while strengthening community connections and promoting volunteerism.
As part of our commitment to inclusive and welcoming language, we updated the name used To ensure our terminology reflects an inclusive spirit, we now call our vo - celebrating the contributions of community volunteers.
We use a multi-channel outreach approach to ensure residents across the neighborhood are aware of and able to participate in the project:
Neighborhood Newsletter Distribution: SNAIL publishes a monthly newsletter that is printed and delivered to approximately 1,600 households throughout the neighborhood. The Red Bow Project is highlighted through announcements, volunteer invitations, and project updates.
Special Color Flyer: A dedicated color flyer describing the Red Bow Project and volunteer opportunities is inserted into the newsletter to encourage residents to join the decorating effort.
Volunteer Engagement with Block Representatives:
Representatives - serve as key connectors on each street. Organizers reach out to both returning and new block representatives through phone calls and personal invitations to encourage participation and build stronger relationships among neighbors.
Attachment 5
6 Community Leadership Participation:
Invitations are extended to local
elected officials including the District
5 Councilmember and Vice Mayor, the
City Mayor, and the County
Supervisor to participate in the
decorating effort and highlight the
importance of neighborhood volunteer
initiatives.
Youth Participation: Local youth are
invited to participate in the project,
including outreach to the Girl Scout troop at Bishop Elementary School, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to contribute to their neighborhood through community service.
6. Describe how the Block Party will achieve one or more of the following focus areas Through this combination of printed outreach, personal engagement, youth involvement, and community leadership participation, the Red Bow Project fosters broad neighborhood participation and strengthens connections among residents. The project not only creates a festive seasonal environment but also serves as a meaningful opportunity for neighbors to work together and build a stronger sense of community.
Increase communication among neighbors
opportunity for neighbors to meet, collaborate, and build relationships.
Volunteers work together along each block to install the bows, often requiring multiple people to wrap ribbons around larger trees and secure the decorations. These shared tasks encourage conversations between neighbors who may not have previously met.
Through this collaborative activity, residents connect while working toward a common goal
beautifying their neighborhood. These interactions often lead to discussions about other neighborhood concerns, ideas for community improvement, and opportunities for future events. The Red Bow Project therefore serves as an effective and welcoming way to strengthen communication and build relationships across the neighborhood.
Attachment 5
7 Build bridges between cultures
The SNAIL neighborhood is home to residents from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
By decorating trees with simple red bows without religious symbolism, the project creates an inclusive seasonal tradition that welcomes participation from everyone regardless of faith or cultural tradition. During the decorating process, neighbors frequently share stories about their own holiday customs and seasonal traditions. These informal conversations help foster understanding, mutual respect, and connection among residents from different cultural backgrounds. The red bow has become a unifying symbol that brings together neighbors who might otherwise not have opportunities to interact.
Improve the physical condition of the neighborhood
The Red Bow Project contributes to neighborhood beautification by transforming street trees into a cohesive seasonal display. The bright red bows create a welcoming and visually appealing environment that signals that residents care about the appearance of their community.
This visible beautification often inspires additional neighborhood stewardship. Residents become more motivated to maintain their surroundings, plant flowers, clean shared spaces, and support other neighborhood improvement efforts. The project also reflects responsible environmental stewardship:
SNAIL worked with the City Arborist to
develop a bow installation method that
protects the bark and health of the trees.
Enhance neighborhood pride and identity
Since its beginning in 2001, the Red Bow
Project has become a cherished SNAIL
neighborhood tradition. Seeing hundreds
of decorated trees lining the streets
creates a strong visual identity and a
shared sense of pride among residents.
The red bows have become a recognizable symbol of the neighborhood during the holiday season. Residents, families, adults, teens, and take pride in contributing to a project that brings joy to neighbors and visitors alike. The festive display makes it immediately clear when someone has entered the SNAIL neighborhood, reinforcing a sense of place and community identity. By working together to install, maintain, and store the decorations each year, residents strengthen their connection to the neighborhood and to one another. The result is a visible expression of community spirit that brightens the streets during the winter months and reinforces the strong sense of community that defines SNAIL.
Attachment 5
8 Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application Budget Form
All eligible receipts and invoices showing payment must be submitted for reimbursement within 30 days of the event and no later than December 31, 2026.
Project Expenses
Activity Estimated Costs
Qty 200 15" x 24" Red 2-Loop Christmas Bows
(priced at $3.59 each including S/H)
SKU number 445627
Order from Hearthshire (a highly-rated, top-tier third-party seller on Amazon.com)
$ 718.00
Estimated Total Expenses $ 718.00
Amount Requested from the City of Sunnyvale $500.00
Reviewed by Neighborhood Association or Group leader. In order to facilitate communication and coordination within a neighborhood association or group, all Block Party applications must be reviewed and signed by a leader listed in the current registration form.
Applications that are not signed by a leader listed in the current registration form are incomplete and will not be considered for funding. To find the current leader, you can refer to the Neighborhood Association Map and Contact List posted on the City of Sunnyvale webpage. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov
Name of Neighborhood Association or Group Leader: Valérie Suarès Signature:
Date: March 19th 2026
Attachment 5
9 As noted by Mayor Larry Klein
I was actually passing through SNAIL, when I was
out, and I did see the red bows, and red ribbons, I
was actually very impressed and happy to see
that this was already taking place.
And by former councilmember Russ Melton
Valérie, always great to hear from you and I
am already excited from your verbal
description of the red bows project in SNAIL,
got about 2/3 of them covered with red bows,
it is really phenomenal.
This is what we are talking about, it is bringing
the community together, so Valérie, in line with
your reputation, for the great work you always
do, just more of that here.
Christina McG. SNAIL resident
Jim Q., Beechnut - Snail founder
John & Diane, East Arbor- Snail residents
bow program in
SNAIL. It makes the neighborhood more
festive and brightens my day whenever I
got out. Thank you to all the SNAIL
volunteers who make our neighborhood Gregg W., E. Eaglewood - Snail resident neighborhood. When friends or relatives come
from other areas they almost always comment
positively about the bows. I've never seen these
in other neighborhoods, so it's kind of a nice
tradition here for 20 plus years.
Sophia S. East Arbor - Snail resident
2017 New SNAIL homeowner
, we were house hunting. It was cold
and windy, we could not find a place we liked, until we travelled in streets where trees were decorated with big bows.
We decided to purchase our home in SNAIL because of
the streets looked so beautiful.
Each winter we are reminded how we made the right
Attachment 5
1 Neighborhood Grant Program Block Party Application
Calendar Year 2026
Application Deadline for Spring Cycle (#2): Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Block Party under the Neighborhood Grant Program. Please make sure you thoroughly review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your group qualifies for funding.
Grant decisions are based upon a competitive review process; this application and any attachments are intended to be the primary subject of evaluating your application. The City will accept applications through Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m., For questions, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7599.
Block parties are intended to be smaller events within a neighborhood group so residents that live within close proximity to each other may further develop their relationship and communication.
Review Block Party guidelines on the city website https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets- and-property/neighborhood-resources/block - party-permit.
Maximum funding per block party is $500 and applications must be signed by a neighborhood group leader listed in the annual registration form. If you are unsure if your registered neighborhood association has submitted its maximum number of applications allowed, please talk with your neighborhood association leader or email staff at [email protected] Block Party
Tier Level # Households Maximum # of Applications
Tier 1 Under 250 2
Tier 2 251 499 4
Tier 3 500 & Over 6
Funding priority is neighborhood grants and only if funding is still available will block party applications be considered.
Note: If the Block Party will provide food, contact the Santa Clara County, Dept. of Environmental Health to ensure safety conditions are met. This is a Santa Clara County requirement. Info. on their website - https://deh.santaclaracounty.gov/food-and-retail/compliance-retail-food- operations/temporary-food-events-facility-compliance-and . For more questions, contact them via email, [email protected].
Complete applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Mail or Drop Off in Person:
Sunnyvale Community Center (Recreation Center Front Desk) Attn: Recreation Services Administration
550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087
Email: [email protected]
Name of Neighborhood Group or Association:
Sunnyvale Neighbors of Arbor Including La Linda, (AKA SNAIL) Attachment 5
2 Name of Individual Submitting Application:
Name: Dorit Chapman (Treasurer)
Email:
Phone Number:
Grant Amount Requesting from the City of Sunnyvale ($500 maximum): $ 500 Based on the total number of households, which tier does your Neighborhood Group or Association fall under?
Tier 1 (under 250 households) Tier 2 (251-499) Tier 3 (500 & Over) Describe how the total number of households in your Neighborhood Group or Association is calculated.
The number of households has grown in recent
years, partly due to the addition of two new housing
complexes on San Aleso. The SNAIL community now
includes more than 1,600 households, including 651
apartments across six complexes. However, the total
number of residents living in these apartments is not
currently available.
Event Description
1. Date, time and location of the Block Party
December 5th, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:30AM on the
400 Block of East Arbor
2. What are the geographic boundaries of those
invited to the Block Party.
The geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party are those of the SNAIL community which are Fair Oaks, Mathilda, Maude, and Ahwanee Avenues.
3. What are the activities planned?
SNAIL volunteer appreciation breakfast & final distribution of community red bow supplies.
The SNAIL neighborhood relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers who contribute countless hours throughout the year to strengthen the community, organize events, distribute newsletters, maintain neighborhood communication, and support community improvement initiatives.
To recognize and celebrate these contributions, SNAIL proposes to host a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast for the individuals who generously give their time to serve the neighborhood.
Attachment 5
3 The purpose of this event is to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers, express gratitude for their service, and encourage continued participation in community initiatives. Volunteers are the backbone of many SNAIL activities, including neighborhood communication through the SNAIL newsletter, organizing community events such as the Earth Day Clean-Up Project, coordinating neighborhood safety initiatives, assisting with seasonal projects like the SNAIL Red Bow Project, and helping maintain strong connections among residents during our annual National Night Out event.
The breakfast will provide a welcoming setting where volunteers can come together, share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships. It will also serve as an opportunity to recognize outstanding contributions and highlight the impact volunteers have on the overall health and vitality of the neighborhood.
In addition, SNAIL plans to use a portion of the grant funding to purchase additional 50 red bows to
refresh deteriorated bows due to sun, wind, and rain.
a long-standing neighborhood tradition that brings residents together each holiday season to decorate approximately 1,200 neighborhood street trees with large red bows. Volunteers often - work together to install, maintain, and later remove the decorations.
Replenishing the ribbon supply will ensure that this beloved tradition can continue while maintaining a vibrant and cohesive appearance throughout the neighborhood.
These are all-purpose indoor/outdoor use holiday bows.
These Christmas seasonal items that become available during the summer prior to the holidays and are often out of stock by the end of October.
4. How many people or households are expected to attend? The Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast will invite approximately 50 70 volunteers, including SNAIL Newsletter Block Representatives, event volunteers, community organizers, and residents who regularly contribute their time to neighborhood initiatives. These volunteers collectively support communication and engagement across approximately 1,600 households in the SNAIL neighborhood.
The Red Bow Project itself engages dozens of volunteers each year and creates a visible neighborhood tradition enjoyed by all residents and visitors throughout the holiday season.
Attachment 5
4 5. Describe your outreach plan to generate participation.
Since this is an event to recognize all the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to better the SNAIL community, we will use our past rosters from various volunteer-led events to invite these folks this event: These are: newsletter distributors, earth day cleanup crew, yard sale organizers, bow-tistas (formerly
, newsletter editors and national
night out volunteers, our youth and pets also encouraging neighbors to walk to the event.
To encourage broad, inclusive participation across the SNAIL neighborhood while strengthening community connections and promoting volunteerism, we will post this event in our neighborhood newsletter distributed electronically and in a paper format to 1,600 homes encourage volunteer engagement and
. Youth participation will also be encouraged.
6. Community Impact
Recognizing volunteers is essential to sustaining strong community engagement. By hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and supporting the Red Bow Project, SNAIL aims to:
Strengthen volunteer retention and motivation by acknowledging the important role volunteers play in building community.
Increase communication among neighborhood leaders, allowing volunteers to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on future initiatives.
Encourage new volunteer participation by highlighting the positive impact community service has on neighborhood life.
Enhance neighborhood pride and identity through the continuation of the Red Bow tradition that decorates hundreds of trees throughout the community each holiday season.
Use of Grant Funds
Grant funds will be used to cover:
Breakfast food, beverages, and light refreshments for the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Modest recognition items for volunteers
Red bows supplies for the annual Red Bow Project
The event and project will be organized and implemented entirely by volunteers, ensuring that grant funds are used efficiently while maximizing community benefit.
Conclusion
SNAIL volunteers play a vital role in strengthening communication, organizing neighborhood initiatives, and fostering a strong sense of community. Hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast while supporting the Red Bow Project is a meaningful way to recognize their dedication, celebrate their contributions, and sustain traditions that benefit the entire neighborhood.
Attachment 5
5 Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application Budget Form
All eligible receipts and invoices showing payment must be submitted for reimbursement within 30 days of the event and no later than December 31, 2026.
Project Expenses
Aiming for a "zero waste" approach No
initiative.
Activity Estimated Costs
Qty 3 each priced at $3.98 Tablecloth, Thanks to The Volunteers for Their Outstanding Contribution
https://share.temu.com/nPb49hFbEkC
$11.94
Appreciation Notecards Complete with Keychains, and Messages of Gratitude Qty3 each priced at $16.35 for Qty of 30
https://share.temu.com/gfIHba4mJQC
$49.05
99 Custom Engraved Metal Ballpoint Pen - Smooth Writing, Qty of 1 priced at $54.25
https://share.temu.com/1GLQT79Dv2C
$54.25
48 Pack Gratitude Gift Bags
Qty 2 each priced at $21.99
https://share.temu.com/MG3aMfHOmeC
$43.98
Starbucks Coffee Traveler (To Go boxes)
between $40 and $50, though prices may vary by location and tax. $50.00
13 fresh-baked bagels and 2 tubs of double-whipped shmear Qty 3 each priced at 13.99
$41.97
2 dozen doughnuts holes ($5.00 per dozen) From Martys Donuts on Mathilda $10.00 2 jars of Triple Berry jam (priced at $4.97 each at Walmart) $9.94 1 Mixed fruit family bowl (from Lucky on Mathilda) $14.99 Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water 30-8fz (from Lucky on Mathilda) $7.99 89 Fl. Oz. Tropicana Juice Pure Premium Orange No Pulp Original (from Lucky on Mathilda) $9.49 Qty 50 15" x 24" Red Polyester 2-Loop Christmas Bow (priced at $3.59 each) SKU number 445627
Order from Hearthshire (a highly-rated, top-tier third-party seller on Amazon.com) $179.50
Estimated Total Expenses (Excludes Tax, Shipping and Handling) $483.10 Amount Requested from the City of Sunnyvale $500.00
Attachment 5
6 Reviewed by Neighborhood Association or Group leader. In order to facilitate communication and coordination within a neighborhood association or group, all Block Party applications must be reviewed and signed by a leader listed in the current registration form.
Applications that are not signed by a leader listed in the current registration form are incomplete and will not be considered for funding. To find the current leader, you can refer to the Neighborhood Association Map and Contact List posted on the City of Sunnyvale webpage. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov
Name of Neighborhood Association or Group Leader: Valérie Suarès Signature:
Date: March 19th 2026
December 2025
Volunteer Recognition event
Attachment 5
7 December 2025
Volunteer Recognition event
December 2025
Volunteer Recognition event
Attachment 5
Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application
Calendar Year 2026
Application Deadline for Spring Cycle (#2): Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a Block Party under the Neighborhood Grant Program. Please thoroughly review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to determine if your group qualifies for funding, available here (need link to guidelines document).
Grant decisions are based upon a competitive review process; this application and any attachments are intended to be the primary subject of evaluating your application. The City will accept applications through Friday, March 27, 2026, by 5 p.m. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in June 2026. For questions, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7599.
Block parties are intended to be smaller events within a neighborhood group so residents that live within close proximity to each other may further develop their relationship and communication. Review Block Party guidelines on the city website -https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets-and-property/neighborhood- resources/block-party-permit. Maximum funding per block party is $500 and applications must be signed by a neighborhood group leader listed in the annual registration form. If you are unsure if your registered neighborhood association has submitted its maximum number of applications allowed, please talk with your neighborhood association leader or email staff at [email protected] Block Party
Tier Level # Households Maximum # of Applications
Tier 1 Under 250 2
Tier 2 251 – 499 4
Tier 3 500 & Over 6
Funding priority is neighborhood grants and only if funding is still available will block party applications be considered.
Note: If the Block Party will provide food, contact the Santa Clara County, Dept. of Environmental Health to ensure safety conditions are met. This is a Santa Clara County requirement. Info. on their website - https://deh.santaclaracounty.gov/food-and-retail/compliance-retail-food-operations/temporary-food- events-facility-compliance-and. For more questions, contact them via email, [email protected].
Complete applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Mail or Drop Off in Person:
Sunnyvale Community Center (Recreation Center Front Desk) Attn: Recreation Services Administration
550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA 94087
Email: [email protected]
Attachment 5
Name of Neighborhood Group or Association:
Name of Individual Submitting Application:
Individual’s Email: Phone:
Grant Amount Requesting from the City of Sunnyvale ($500 maximum): $ Based on the total number of households, which tier does your Neighborhood Group or Association fall under? ____ Tier 1 (under 250 households) _____ Tier 2 (251-499) ____ Tier 3 (500 & Over) Describe how the total number of households in your Neighborhood Group or Association is calculated.
Event Description:
1. Date, time and location of the Block Party.
2. What are the geographic boundaries of those invited to the Block Party.
3. What are the activities planned?
4. How many people or households are expected to attend?
5. Describe your outreach plan to generate participation.
6. Describe how the Block Party will achieve one or more of the following focus areas:
Increase communication among neighbors
Build bridges between cultures
Improve the physical condition of the neighborhood
Enhance neighborhood pride and identity
Attachment 5
Neighborhood Grant Program
Block Party Application Budget Form
Please list the Block Party’s projected expenses using the form below. Note: This is a reimbursement grant.
All eligible receipts and invoices showing payment must be submitted for reimbursement within 30 days of the event and no later than December 31, 2026.
Project Expenses
Activity Estimated Costs
1. $
2. $
3. $
4. $
5. $
Estimated Total Expenses $
Amount Requested from the City of Sunnyvale $
Reviewed by Neighborhood Association or Group leader. In order to facilitate communication and coordination within a registered neighborhood association or group, all Block Party applications must be reviewed and signed by a leader listed in the current registration form.
Applications that are not signed by a leader listed in the current registration form are incomplete and will not be considered for funding. To find the current leader, you can refer to the Neighborhood Association Map and Contact List posted on the City of Sunnyvale webpage. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov. and put “Neighborhood Association” in the search bar.
Name of Neighborhood Association or Group Leader: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________________
Date: ________________
Attachment 5