Rosemont Community Foundation Receives $5,000 Grant

A neighborhood group in Rosemont looking to build a stronger sense of community now has some fuel in the form of a $5,000 grant from State Farm Insurance.

The grant, given last week to the nonprofit, foundation arm of the , will be used for a program organizers are calling “Rosemont Revitalized,” according to a press release. That program will include efforts to keep residents and businesses safe, promote businesses and add signage around Rosemont.

“In one sense, it’s [a program] to kick some of the efforts that have been underway here in Rosemont to a higher level,” said Terry Dugan, Rosemont Community Association vice president and Rosemont Community Foundation treasurer.

Dugan said exact plans for the grant haven’t been made yet, but the group will likely ask for matching contributions from residents and businesses in the area.

“Part of it will be [used] to inform and engage individuals here in the Rosemont area [and for] developing a stronger sense of community,” he said.

Dugan said a couple years ago, the community association planned to work with merchants to hire an off-duty sheriff patrol for Kiefer Boulevard businesses concerned about crime, but that plan fell through when the economy collapsed and businesses were unable to contribute.

He said the association now hopes to be able to provide “assistance to the businesses in whatever way they determine would be a benefit.”

Area signage, including new Rosemont-specific neighborhood watch signs and entry signs at the borders of Rosemont, are another part of the “Rosemont Revitalized” program.

Dugan said however the money is spent, he wants to make sure State Farm Insurance is glad for awarding the grant.

“We want to use what they’ve provided to make them proud and make them say, ‘Hey, that was a good project we supported.’ ”