HOURCAR - News

url: http://www.hourcar.org/mckgrant.html MATCHING GRANT INFORMATION 
HOURCAR Hub Sponsor Fact Sheet and Application Information HOURCAR, the Twin Cities-based car-sharing program of the nonprofit Neighborhood Energy Connection (NEC), seeks partners for a McKnight Foundation challenge grant of $150,000. The grant will be matched dollar-for-dollar by sponsors that seek to host new HOURCAR hubs. Businesses, institutions, neighborhood organizations, or even individuals can become hub sponsors. The challenge grant is an excellent opportunity for community supporters to bring HOURCAR to their neighborhood.  Sponsor matches will range from approximately $12,000 to $15,000 depending upon the vehicle selected. In return for the hub sponsorship, HOURCAR commits to operating a shared vehicle at the hub for a minimum of two years.   Today, HOURCAR's fleet numbers 16 fuel-efficient vehicles. The matching grant will result in the program's expansion to at least 26 hubs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul over the next two years. The expanded fleet will serve more than 1,000 Twin Cities-area drivers. All existing and new HOURCARs are available to all HOURCAR members, 24 hours a day. Goals for hub expansion include serving more members, extending the utility of the current fleet, adding service in new neighborhoods, increasing positive environmental impacts, and creating partnerships with supporting businesses, institutions, and communities. At this time, HOURCAR seeks to serve neighborhoods in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, although future expansion may include suburban communities.