Capital Improvement Grant Program

General Information

• Before applying to the FUN Grant Program please review the program policy below. This policy describes the qualifications and requirements to apply to the program.  

• Please also review all program details and FAQ sections of this webpage before applying.

• Organizations will be notified of the grant decisions following the December 2024 or January 2025 SL4B Meeting.

  • If a project is approved by the Board, by the approval of a finding and funding resolution, then the Applicant must enter into a written agreement with the City prior to starting and completing the approved project.

  • The agreement will establish the terms and conditions under which the project will be funded, managed, operated, and completed and will include clawback provisions. Applicants must maintain their completed projects.

  • The agreement will require that the project be located on publicly accessible property, and the project improvements must be kept open to, and enjoyable by, the general public for a period of at least 5 years after completion. 

• Once an agreement has been signed and executed by both parties, a notice to proceed will be given, allowing you to start your project.

  • A notice to proceed on a project can be given as early as January or February of 2025.

• Applicants cannot apply for a new project if a project from a previous program year has not been started before the application cycle deadline.   

What are the steps of the application process?   

1. After the application deadline, all submitted projects are reviewed by a City staff committee which scores all projects received and provides a recommendation to the SL4B Board.   

2. Projects are presented at a SL4B Workshop for feedback from the board. Applicant attendance is encouraged.  

3. Projects are brought to the SL4B Board for approval of finding and funding resolutions. Applicant attendance is encouraged.    

4. If the project is approved by the SL4B Board, the applicant must enter into a written agreement with the City.   

5. If necessary, organizations must sign and submit all required documents (surveys, consents to encroach, and/or no objection letters) before entering into an agreement with the city.  

6. Once all required documents are received and the agreement is signed and executed, the applicant will be given a notice to proceed and may begin work on the project.

   1. Projects with a reimbursement over $50,000 must also be approved by City Council prior to receiving a notice to proceed.

What are the steps of the reimbursement process? 

After work is complete on the project, the organization must submit the complete reimbursement package to the Department of Redevelopment. The reimbursement package includes:  

• Copies of all required permits obtained for the installation of the improvements;

• Copies of receipts showing that all contractors have been paid the total project cost. 

• Copies of cleared checks or bank statements showing that all contractor(s) have been paid the total amount;

• Letter from the Association Board President warranting those improvements. have been completed according to requirements of the agreement;

• Color photographs of the completed improvements; and

• Any other information required in the contract with the City  

Once the reimbursement packet is deemed to be complete, the City will make one payment of the reimbursement amount.

Qualifying Organizations 

The FUN Grant Program is open to Community Based Organizations located within the City of Sugar Land city limits.  

Community Based Organizations are defined as: 

• Homeowners Association (HOA)- an organization of homeowners of a specific subdivision in the City of Sugar Land, incorporated and formally registered with the Texas Secretary of State, that makes and enforces rules for the properties within its jurisdiction. 

• Property Owners Association (POA)- informal organizations of homeowners of the various subdivisions in the City of Sugar Land that oversee properties within their jurisdictions.  

• Recognized Community Group (RCG)- an organized group of residents in a neighborhood without a HOA or POA. (To register as an HOA or RCG, click here.) 

Qualifying Project Types 

• Projects must demonstrate a public benefit and be publicly accessible/enjoyable

• Projects* must fall into at least one of the categories below and be eligible under Loc. Gov't Code Chapters 501 and/or 505:   

  • Open Space Improvements; 

  • Parks and Recreation Improvements;  

  • Street and Traffic Improvements; 

  • Site Improvements; and

  • Public Art (Art Improvements that qualify as a project under Loc. Gov't Code 501.103 and/or Loc. Gov't Code 501.152)

*Maintenance-related items will not be considered a qualifying project.   

 Project Location Requirements  

The project location must meet all of the following requirements: 

• The location of the project must be in the City of Sugar Land corporate limits.

• The project must be located on public or private property*.

• All projects must be located on, adjacent to, or visible from a major collector street, minor collector street, arterial street and/or state highway or freeway**.

*Projects can only be located on private property if the SL4B determines that private ownership does not diminish or change the public benefit of the project but must be located within the City’s corporate limits. 

**Projects that are not located on, adjacent to, or visible from one of the street categories identified in this section may be considered for eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must demonstrate how the project will directly promote or develop new or expanded business enterprises. 

Ineligible Projects 

• Maintenance related items;

• Standalone landscaping projects;

  • Landscaping should not be the main project or constitute a majority of the total project cost in an application

• Projects and related improvements that are not open and accessible to the general public, such as, but not limited to:

  • Clubhouse improvements

  • Gated parks and recreation improvements

Additional Details

• Applicants cannot apply for a new project if the previous project has not been started before the application cycle deadline.  

The FUN Grant Application requires the submission of supporting documentation.

Please see below for a complete list of required documents: 

• Scope of Work

• Clear color photos and/or renderings of the proposed project 

• Clear color photos and/or renderings of the current project location 

• Work Estimates/Quotes showing the cost of the project 

• Financial documents such as organization bank and/or financial statements to demonstrate financial ability to fund your share of the project costs, including all operating and maintenance costs.  

• A land survey showing the location of the project and any encroachments. (Required for perimeter fence projects only) 

• Map and/or site plans of project location 

Any additional documentation not listed that the applicant can provide to strengthen the application is recommended. 

Can I run-through my project ideas and application through you before submitting?  

Yes! All applicants are highly encouraged to email and meet with program staff before submitting an application. We are happy to go over project ideas with you, offer recommendations, and preview your application before it is submitted.

Where can I find out what is a major collector street, arterial street or minor collector street?  

The latest Major Thoroughfare Map from the City can be found here. Applicants are encouraged to email program staff at JCIP@sugarlandtx.gov to confirm location eligibility prior to applying.

What if my application is submitted after the deadline?  

Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered in the order received on a case-by-case basis until all funds appropriated for that fiscal year are expended.   

How often can my organization apply for funds?  

Organizations may apply as often as they would like. However, the same applicant cannot apply for a new project if a previous project has not been started before the application deadline.    

At the end of each Policy cycle, the Board may choose to award the SL4B Community Development Project of the Year Award to an exemplary and trailblazing community organization with a FUN Project that has been completed and accomplished the program goals above.

The winning FUN Project will receive an additional project reimbursement in the lesser amount of (1) $7,500; or (2) 15% of the total FUN Project cost.

Applicants are encouraged to submit and complete a trailblazing project to win the SL4B Community Development Project of the Year Award for their organization. Award winners will be granted an additional reimbursement, a trophy, and be recognized at a future board meeting.