More and More I am reading and seeing that private foundations are funding “community” based projects. Projects that are grass roots, include people over many sectors, are driven by and for the benefit of the citizens in that community. A couple examples of that are in my own area. The two initiatives are – StevensForward which includes Stevens County, MN and Advantage Alexandria, which covers the Alexandria Region. Both programs are working with the Center for Community Stewardship based in Bemidji, MN. Driven by an initial sponsor, the Stevens County Board of Commissioners and Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission, each program has obtained funding through a variety of public and private sources, including foundation grants.
The purpose of the programs are to garner public input from the communities in their region, and then develop through “community stewards” a destiny statement and destiny drivers which the communities will use to plan for the future. The goal is for communities, and counties to use this as a tool for planning, and involve community members in the process. The energy, excitement, commitment and buy-in by community members will keep the “destiny drivers” moving forward and the end result will be vibrant, growing communities and regions.
For more information go to www.stewardacademy.com and visit success stories.
Posted by Holly Witt, NRS, Alexandria
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