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
2010 Materials
Contacts
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Lauren Hayes, program associate, or 404-526-1110 for information about orientation sessions, reporting, the timeline, application materials or to verify eligibility.
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Tené Traylor, program officer, or 404-588-3201 for information about readiness, competitiveness, the Review Committee or application strategy.
Recent Support
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Caring for Others received a $7,500 grant to support its Family Resource Center and provide technical assistance services including marketing/communication, community economic development, fundraising and coalition building support.
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Plant a Row for the Hungry - Morgan County received a $5,000 grant to fund its community garden and provide technical assistance services including marketing/communications, fundraising and volunteer management support.
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.
Partners
In collaboration with local and regional partners, the Neighborhood Fund connects the core programs to create unique connections for community groups and leaders. Current partners include The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, The Regional Atlanta Civic League, City of Atlanta Office of Weed and Seed and Atlanta Renewal Community Coordinating Responsible Authority (ACoRA).