Neighborhood Fund

Overview

Neighborhood Fund builds upon grassroots ideas, energy and passion to empower community members to improve their neighborhoods. The philosophy of the Neighborhood Fund is built on the asset-based, capacity building model articulated by John McKnight and John Kretzman of Northwestern University. The model contrasts approaches to traditional community building that look at low and moderate-income residents as having a series of “needs and deficiencies” and then provide services to meet those needs. Instead, the Neighborhood Fund provides comprehensive support that assists residents and neighborhood groups as they organize around their strengths and assets. 

Neighborhood Fund provides resources to community groups (non-501(c)3) seeking to impact their community at the local level. Since 1991, more than 300 neighborhood projects have received an estimated $2,000,000 in grants and technical assistance to support community organizing, neighborhood gardens, youth fitness activities, cultural events and more.  

Grantmaking

Neighborhood groups and organizations will have two opportunities to apply for funding through the Neighborhood Fund in 2013. See materials below for eligibility requirements and application documents, as well as orientation information. Grant deadlines are as follows: 

• Monday, February 25 
• Monday, October 14

2013 Materials 
Neighborhood Fund Guidelines
Neighborhood Fund Frequently Asked Questions
Neighborhood Fund Application
Neighborhood Fund Application Instructions

Orientation Sessions

Community groups interested in funding and support from the Neighborhood Fund can attend an upcoming orientation session to learn more about the initiative and funding requirements. While participation is not required, it is strongly encouraged.

To view a recorded orientation webinar, click here.

Contacts

• Erin Dreiling, program associate, or 404-526-1127 for information about orientation sessions, reporting, the timeline, application materials or to verify eligibility.
• Tené Traylor, program officer, or 404-588-3201 for information about readiness, competitiveness, the Review Committee or application strategy.   

Recent Support

• Agape Community Center (DeKalb): $5,000 – To fund the 4^th Annual Bolton Westside Community Festival. 
• Cabbagetown Initiative Community Development Corporation (Fulton): $3,000 – To organize a neighborhood watch 
• Chinese Community Federation of Atlanta (Fulton): $3,300 – To support healthcare seminars for Chinese Americans with limited English proficiency    
• Clayton Collaborative Authority (Clayton): $6,000 – To fund the Grassroots Leadership Institute, a leadership development program 
• East Lake Community (DeKalb): $1,000 – To bring together multiple organizations that serve the East Lake Community for a series of visioning sessions to develop a set of shared goals and cohesive vision 
• Educational Prosperity Steering Committee (Spalding): $1,000 – To engage Spalding County residents in the efforts of the Educational Prosperity Steering Committee to create a park and community garden in the Fairmont community 
• Fairview Kings Basketball Club (Henry): $3,950 – To support a Hoops4Fitness weekend camp for youth 
• Friends of Collier Heights Park (DeKalb): $4,500 – To organize a health awareness program and fair 
• Historic Westside Garden (Fulton): $3,500 – To support a community retreat and resident-based outreach 
• Tucker Civic Association (DeKalb): $5,000 – To support programming and planning focused on senior services and engagement 

Leadership

Neighborhood Fund is guided by an advisory committee that represents a cross-section of the 23-county region that includes, but not limited to, resident, community, for-profit, faith-based and nonprofit leaders; policymakers; community organizers; funders; etc.  
 
The Neighborhood Fund Advisory Committee provides oversight for programs and initiatives. Committee members are responsible for reviewing grant recommendations, participating in site visits (or other activities) and providing leadership on core neighborhood or community development issues.