BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts have announced MECU, the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore, will be the title sponsor of the 2012 MECU Neighborhood Event Grants program.

The program, in its 22^nd year, provides grants to neighborhood associations and community-based nonprofit organizations in Baltimore City for the purpose of producing special events. Eligible groups can receive up to $1,000 to produce community events that revitalize neighborhoods and engage residents. Projects can include back-to-school rallies, block parties, flea markets, health fairs, neighborhood cleanups, street festivals and talent shows.

“As we work to grow this great city, we must foster great partnerships that help the committed leaders in our community associations strengthen and beautify our neighborhoods for current residents and make new residents feel welcome,” said Rawlings-Blake. “We are grateful to MECU for joining us to help the Neighborhood Event Grants Program touch the lives of people throughout Baltimore.”

 Nonprofit groups applying to receive a cash grant must be based in Baltimore City. Proposed events have to be free and open to the public. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 30, 2012 by 5 p.m.

Applications are available online at www.promotionandarts.com, under the “Grants” tab. Required materials include a completed application, financial statement, and tax exemption documentation. Grant winners will be announced by mid-April 2012.

Recipients are obligated to send one representative from the organization to attend the Events Mandatory Workshop on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MECU main office, located at 7 E. Redwood Street, 20th floor, Baltimore, Md. 21202.