NAPA Auto Parts’ Post

The April issue of FOCUS Magazine highlights Cinnaire. For over 30 years, the community development financial organization has made high-impact investments and given loans to developers and nonprofits, focusing specifically on economically and racially marginalized communities that too often get passed over for capital. Learn more about Cinnaire's legacy of investing in people and places on page 14: https://lnkd.in/egThbC4

If you work at a financial institution, you know that driving community engagement and compliance is of the utmost importance under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). 🏦 Building programs that are impactful and scalable, as well as keeping track of qualified community development grants and volunteering services can be time-consuming, but that's where Blackbaud can help. EVERFI from Blackbaud and YourCause from Blackbaud help banks scale and track their digital financial education, employee volunteerism, and grantmaking activities. ⬇️ Download this white paper for guidance on fulfilling your bank’s CRA requirements and tracking qualified initiatives: https://lnkd.in/gDTeZbVi

New Jersey's Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (#NRTC) program provides a unique funding method for community development organizations. By offering a 100% tax credit to businesses that fund nonprofit revitalization plans, NJ focuses on the ability to plan and execute comprehensive community projects rather than adhering to strict #CDC definitions like in #SC or #MA. Should more states offer flexible funding procedures to enhance community development efforts? https://bit.ly/3Run2ji #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanDevelopment #SocialGood

Grant $$ available to Maryland Small Business Owners! Through $10 million in small business and community development grants, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development plans to target investments to activate vacant spaces in business corridors and support small businesses with start up or expansion funds while creating jobs and increasing local economic activity. There are two paths that the grant funding can be accessed: economic development entities can apply for Project Restore 2.0, which will incentivize commercial investment in downtowns, Main Streets and other business districts by providing funding for entities to subgrant to businesses. Or eligible new and expanding small businesses in designated Sustainable Communities can apply for funding directly through Business Boost. https://lnkd.in/e-AYvsMX

The latest issue of Local Development & Society focuses on an incredibly important topic for institutional philanthropy - place-based grantmaking. There is far too little research guidance on this form of philanthropic practice, but the articles in this issue help fill this void.

Maryland: "One of the centerpieces of his administration is the newly established Department of Service and Civic Innovation, which includes a public service program with two arms, the Service Year Option, for Maryland residents within three years of high school graduation, and Maryland Corps, which is open to a range of applicants. Each provides access to entry-level positions at nonprofits and state agencies, as well as a small number of businesses with a strong service component, such as public health or community development. Participants are paid a minimum of $15 per hour and provided help with transportation and child care, which could otherwise keep out those with fewer support systems. At the end of the minimum nine-month term, all participants get a $6,000 stipend toward college or to cash out for a down payment on a car, for example, or a home." https://lnkd.in/eP5mDzXs

Being a fundraiser, to me, means embracing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My role at the YMCA, which I am deeply passionate about, allows me to be my authentic self, whether that means showing up to work dressed as a pirate, leading songs, or educating about safety in fun and engaging ways. However, beyond these lighter moments, the true essence of my job lies in the ability to effect positive change in the lives of children and their families. Throughout my time here, I've been moved by the resilience of families facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Our team works diligently to provide tailored support, striving to create an environment where each person feels valued and cared for, without them sensing the extent of our efforts. This focus on delivering an exceptional experience is at the heart of what we do. As we look forward to 2024, there are specific areas where funding is critically needed. I am reaching out today to ask if you or someone you know can help champion one of these causes. Your support could significantly help us bridge the funding gaps for essential services: - Providing an on-site nurse during the summer, which requires $12,000. - Hiring a seasonal behavior specialist, with a funding need of $7,800. - Employing a seasonal mental health specialist for both staff and campers, also needing $7,800. - Offering direct access to families impacted by cancer, which requires $8,000. - Supporting families navigating the foster system, needing a similar amount of $8,000. - Providing Support to (10) Title 1 schools so students can access Outdoor education, with a funding need of $7,000-10,000 - In 2023 with provided $150,000 of program adjustments, closing this gap also allows us to focus on program advancement. Your involvement, whether through direct support or connecting us with potential champions for these causes, can profoundly influence the lives of those we serve. Together, we have the power to make a real difference. Select the link to become a fundraiser, Thank you https://lnkd.in/g2aPrj7Q

More exciting news coming out of Enterprise Community Partners!

Blessings friends! In my personal practice, I've been thinking a lot about gift awareness, and it's importance in community development. Gift awareness is the starting point of gift economics. It is a recognition of our indebtedness to others (fellow humans, animals, plants, cosmic forces). I wrote a letter to my readers on The Sufi Gardener and I would like to share it with you all. It is a call to cultivate gift awareness in all that we do: careers, crafts, vocations, volunteering, education, etc. You can read my letter here: https://lnkd.in/emTcwjJ9