Greenville Reporter

The Pitt County Board of County Commissioners is inviting local organizations and agencies to apply for funds to support recreational activities.

The board recently announced an annual distribution under the management of the Community Schools and Recreation (CSR) Advisory Council, which is aimed at delivering "quality recreation programs to all citizens." Funding is available on a 50/50 matching basis with half from the county and half from the agency or organization managing the recreation programs.

"This avenue was selected to maximize the utilization of multiple resources in providing recreation opportunities," the board said in a statement, adding that schools and recreation staff will manage the process with applications available from its office. The local matching funds can be a combination of dollars and in-kind contributions for the program.

Each agency or organization applying for funding must have a committee, board or council to manage the program, which it will be required to help develop, implement and oversee. A schedule development, including local rules governing facilities and a description of enforcement policies must be included in the application.

"This committee, board or council will also be responsible for assisting in the determination of community needs, and identification of avenues for meeting those needs," according to the guidelines for applications. "The application must show a long-range plan or vision for recreation in the community, as well as detailed information on the specific program for which funding is requested."

Representatives from each of the applying bodies may be asked to present before the CSR Advisory Council to reveal their vision. The council will review applications and make recommendations.

"Top criteria for evaluation will include the need for the program or facility in the community, accessibility to the total community, potential number of citizens to be served, and availability of other resources to impact the established need," the application guidelines stated.