Bradley County outlines $684,442 in HCI capital funding; letters of intent due Sept. 22, applications Oct. 31

L. Moultrie, a Bradley County staff member, briefed attendees on the county's Health, Wellness and Quality of Life Initiative (HCI), saying the program has $684,442 available for capital projects and that "Letters of intent are due September 22 by noon, and applications are due October 31 also at noon."

The HCI program prioritizes capital projects that can leverage additional state, federal or private foundation funding and does not fund programming. Moultrie said organizations established at least 10 years may apply for both Bradley County HCI funds and United Way HCI funds in the same fiscal year; organizations under 10 years must choose one funding source. The presenter cited the United Way's 2024 community needs assessment as background for common needs such as stable housing, access to health care, child care, transportation, mental health and substance-abuse services, domestic violence support, services for an aging population and financial instability.

Moultrie listed recent HCI-funded capital projects to show the program's typical scope: Blythe Oldfield Community Garden; Greenway Farmers Market North Pavilion; Civitan Handy Park restroom; Prospect Elementary outdoor classroom; the Tennessee State Veterans Home; Candies Creek Greenway; Hoyt Berry Park basketball courts; a multipurpose court at the Boys & Girls Club and pavilion improvements at Elrod Park; Life Bridges Medical Center projects; and various parks and recreational facilities. She said projects that are part of routine local government operations generally are not eligible.

Applicants must include a compelling narrative, a project budget, the applicant organization's current fiscal-year budget, a board-member list and a description of the targeted population. Moultrie urged applicants to follow instructions closely, use the provided budget form and be realistic with costs. She advised including contingency plans for inflation and warned that HCI awards are reimbursement based: "funds spent prior to contract execution will not be reimbursed." She also said awardees must submit quarterly reports (due March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31), file reimbursement requests with paid invoices and proof of payment, maintain detailed financial records of grant and matching funds, and allow site visits by HCI representatives before funds are released.

When asked whether to include bid information if formal bids arrive after the letter-of-intent deadline, Moultrie advised listing the architect and known firms or, if bids are by invitation, noting the invited firms and including any estimates or quotes: "So if it is invitation only, I would note that I have by invitation, these these folks have been asked to submit bids. And if they've given you any type of estimate or quote, I would include that as well."

Moultrie provided a contact phone number and email for procedural questions (phone: (423) 728-7105; email: lmoultrie@bradleycountytn.gov) and reminded attendees that letters of intent are available at the meeting podium.

Deadlines and the reimbursement rule are the key constraints for applicants this cycle; the county will not accept late submissions.