Applications for 2024 funding through the City of Hammond’s Gaming Advisory Committee are now available.
Funding is available to local not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate their project, activities, and services provide direct benefit to the citizens of Hammond. The funds and application process are overseen by the Gaming Advisory Committee, an eleven-member body that represents a cross section of Hammond residents and city council members. It is chaired by Phil Taillon, Mayor’s Chief of Staff. “Since the inception of the Gaming Advisory Committee, we have donated over $10 million to various community organizations,” stated Mayor McDermott.
Applications must be received by February 23, 2024, for consideration for funding. The application process provides the advisory committee with information about the projects. Applicants may be requested to appear before the committee to further present their proposal.
According to Mayor McDermott, “the process continues to demonstrate that our approach provides an equitable method of funding for not-for-profit initiatives within the City, along with demonstrating a high level of accountability to Hammond taxpayers and residents. I knew early on in my administration that we needed to make this process as fair as possible.” Prior to the establishment of the current process, there were no guidelines as to how gaming dollars were distributed to charities and not-for-profit organizations.