Edgility Consulting’s Post

An idea is just an idea until the right people rally behind it and mold it into reality. How do we combat the displacement of communities? How do we promote local control, ownership and wealth building in our models of neighborhood investment? How do ensure that we maintain space in the long-term that is affordable and accessible? These are the questions that come up every day in our work -- HOW to invest in underserved communities and build long-term, thriving neighborhoods. And the answer is complex -- there is no silver bullet. Which is why expanding the tools available to neighborhoods, developers and cities is critical. The Kensington Corridor Trust is a leading tool in an expanding tool chest -- taken from theory, molded in passion and thrown into practice. However, it wouldn't be where it was today without the key ingredient -- a group of cross-sector leaders came together to give it form and then to attract the best leadership and... step aside. This four-year introspection from the Nowak Metro Finance Lab, led by Karen Black and supported by The Barra Foundation brought us down memory lane. This was hard work, molded by the intensity needed to get this right - as stakeholders, partners and leadership for the City of Philadelphia and in the national context of community work. It wasn't easy, but I am so proud of how this organization, led by the indefatigable and community-grounded Adriana Abizadeh, continues to break new ground nationally, accomplishing this in the difficulty of the complex, underinvested, yet strong and resilient community of Kensington. Adriana Abizadeh Kensington Corridor Trust Casey O'Donnell Jonathan Arrieta, CSM,CSPO John Grady Jennifer Crowther Tayyib Smith Nancy Gephart Jeffrey Kahn PIDC Impact Services The Barra Foundation Joseph Margulies https://lnkd.in/e5guX9Dx

Three individuals and/or organizations will be honored at the upcoming ACHANGE symposium June 20-21. The awards categories are: Innovation in Housing Design and Development: recognizes the creativity, originality and breakthrough thinking in developing housing, whether single family, multifamily or a derivative thereof, Recognition will be given to the individual/organization/business that is transforming the affordable housing landscape in their community. Best in Housing Revitalization: recognizes the individual/organization/business that has taken a formerly blighted or neglected property and redeveloped the property into quality housing for people with modest incomes. Best in Community Economic Development Partnership: recognizes a private/public partnership that has/is improving the quality of life options within their community. Awards competition rules: Open to anyone who performs work related to affordable housing in Arkansas, even if located elsewhere. Nominations may be accepted for individuals, public or nonprofit organizations, or private-sector businesses. Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Projects must have been performed in Arkansas. Please contact ACHANGE at admin@achange.org for more information.

Three individuals and/or organizations will be honored at the upcoming ACHANGE symposium June 20-21. The awards categories are: Innovation in Housing Design and Development: recognizes the creativity, originality and breakthrough thinking in developing housing, whether single family, multifamily or a derivative thereof, Recognition will be given to the individual/organization/business that is transforming the affordable housing landscape in their community. Best in Housing Revitalization: recognizes the individual/organization/business that has taken a formerly blighted or neglected property and redeveloped the property into quality housing for people with modest incomes. Best in Community Economic Development Partnership: recognizes a private/public partnership that has/is improving the quality of life options within their community. Awards competition rules: Open to anyone who performs work related to affordable housing in Arkansas, even if located elsewhere. Nominations may be accepted for individuals, public or nonprofit organizations, or private-sector businesses. Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Projects must have been performed in Arkansas. Nomination link: https://www.https://www.achange.org/news/ Please contact ACHANGE at admin@achange.org for more information.

Check out this awesome case study in blended & #innovativefinance used to support community-led revitalization:

IN THE NEWS: The newly formed, private, nonprofit countywide economic development organization is dedicated to encouraging growth and prosperity in conjunction with local, regional, and statewide economic development and philanthropic organizations and public sector leaders. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVvcy-dr #economicdevelopment #loraincounty #ohio #oneloraincounty

Please take a few moments to read our interactive 2023 Impact Report! Real change is happening.

Interesting that DAFs outpaced contributions. these are Community Foundations DAFs not those at private financial institutions which have been criticized as more tax avoidance than charitable endeavors. Think of these were also deployed in communities, the change that could occur. There is so much secrets keeping about DAFs. There needs to be greater transparency and accountability given the tax preferences for these vehicles which have or should have not only a charitable goal but a goal that is actioned.

In February 2023, in the midst of a hectically wild season, I submitted a federal grant application on behalf of Restorations thinking that we wouldn't receive it, but also knowing that we couldn't get what we didn't apply for. Just over a year ago, I was notified that we were successful in our grant application. Elated, I went to the grant agreement form and was confused by the funding amount provided. I experienced something I'm betting I won't get to experience again in my fund development career: the grant we received was *twice* the amount I had requested. When I called the foundation issuing the grant, I told them they had made a mistake with the amount, and they responded that they saw such a great need for what Restorations Second Stage Homes was doing, they wanted to give us those extra funds so we could really dive into this work. So just over a year ago, we began the project “Revitalizing Restorations’ governance strength and planning for continued growth.” The grant from the Community Services Recovery Fund allowed us to: → Evaluate and update our current governance policies, and → Develop an organizational strategic plan. Today we shared this strategic plan publicly. As we dive into the next 5 years of continuing to support survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, our strategic direction is focused on "strengthening the support network for survivors through increased visibility, capacity, partnerships, strong governance, solid infrastructure and diversified funding." I have learned so much about governance and organizational development this year. My brain and my heart are full. I look forward to the project being wrapped up this week and reporting to the funder next month about what we have achieved over the last year to strengthen and grow the organization to better support survivors. As I wrap up this mushy post, consider checking out our new webpage highlighting our next phase of growth: https://lnkd.in/giA-vFdR

The successes Forward Community Investments achieved in 2023 inspire us to build an even greater influence across Wisconsin this year. We aim to grow our capital base to escalate our impact, establish more strategic partnerships to expand our geographic reach, invest in our people to advance operational excellence, and, as always, continue to spur conversation about the importance of fighting to reduce racial, social, and economic disparities statewide. In 2023, our collective dedication to FCI’s mission resulted in significant positive impacts, including: - $9.7 million in new loans to 20 borrowers - FCI funding for projects in 18 Wisconsin counties - $35.1 million in New Market Tax Credits for 4 statewide projects. Invest today and join us in making a greater impact in 2024: https://bit.ly/2UhR3oZ