The ability to access preference points in federal funding competitions is one of the key benefits of the federal Promise Zone designation.  During the year participating federal agencies will announce grant opportunities that include a preference for proposals from Promise Zone communities.  You can find a list of participating federal agencies here.  The federal agencies determine how many preference points are awarded to Promise Zone community applicants.  The John Boner Neighborhood Centers, in consultation with the City of Indianapolis and other implementation partners, is responsible for certifying that the application for funding aligns with the goals and objectives of the Promise Zone.

Preference point certification will be provided to an organization that can demonstrate how their program/project meets one or more of the Promise Zone goals and sub-goals.

When more than one request for preference point certification is received for the same application, the Promise Zone team will encourage local groups to partner whenever possible.

The process for reviewing and certifying proposals can take up to four weeks, so please plan accordingly.

Organizations who receives grants must agree to participate in evaluations of the Promise Zone, submit reports on the outcomes of their project and are strongly encouraged to become involved in the Promise Zone Working groups.