The city of Hammond opened applications for 2024 funding through their Gaming Advisory Committee on Dec. 15.

The committee reviews and approves annual funding requests from nonprofit charitable organizations. The organizations must demonstrate that their project activities and services provide direct benefits to city residents.

The funds and application process are overseen by the advisory committee, which has 11 members representing a cross section of Hammond residents and City Council members. Phil Taillon, the mayor’s chief of staff, is the chair of the committee.

“Since the inception of the Gaming Advisory Committee, we have donated over $10 million to various community organizations,” Mayor Thomas McDermott said in a press release.

Applications must be received by Feb. 23, 2024. Applications provide the committee with information about the proposal. Applicants may be requested to appear before the committee for more information about their project.

“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,” McDermott said.

Prior to McDermott’s tenure as mayor, there were no guidelines as to how gaming dollars were distributed to charities and not-for-profit organizations.

Applications are available at Hammond City Hall from the mayor’s office. Applicants can also find the link here.

Based on a city statute, Hammond sets aside 4% of its net gaming revenue every year to fund grants. The committee has about $500,000 to distribute.