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.
In 2011, the Neighborhood Fund celebrated its 20 year anniversary of changing communities.
- Download the Field Report outlining successes and lessons learned.
- Download the Anniversary Brochure highlighting just a few of the individuals who have helped the Neighborhood Fund strengthen communities for two decades.
Love Your Block initiative
The Neighborhood Fund is currently partnering with the City of Atlanta and Hands on Atlanta in a city-led impact service initiative called "Love your Block," where residents are encouraged to participate in beautification projects and programs specific to their community.
With support of Home Depot, UPS and Points of Light Foundations, Atlanta residents are eligible to apply for mini grants up to $1,000 (or up to $500 in Home Depot gift cards and/or a $500 cash grant). Click here for additional details.
To apply for a Love Your Block mini grant, click here to download and complete the application. Application deadline is February 15, 2012.
Grantmaking
Neighborhood groups and organizations will have two opportunities to apply for funding through the Neighborhood Fund in 2012. See materials below for eligibility requirements and application documents, as well as orientation information. Grant deadlines are as follows:
- Monday, June 4
- Friday, October 1
2012 Materials
Please check back in early March for application materials.
Upcoming 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.
Tuesday, May 8: 6-8 pm
Ready Talk Orientation Session
Click here to register
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
Winter 2011
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Churchill downs Civic Association (DeKalb): $5,000 – To build a cement driveway to increase accessibility to Neighborhood Clubhouse
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IMAGE Programs (DeKalb): $5,740 – To design and organization a Parent Café to bring parents and students together to discuss issues of importance
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Melanie Manor-Pierce Rd. Homeowners Association (Fulton): $4,000 – To fund a community clean-up project
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Vietnamese- American Community of Georgia (Gwinnett): $4,000 – To develop a voter engagement campaign
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WAITS Community (Fulton): $4,000 – To develop neighborhood beautification project
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).