Empowering Communities Through Resident-Driven Initiatives
In a recent interview, Katrina Pratt Roebuck, Founder and CEO of Uplifme, sat down with Kevin Dow, Executive Director of the Regional Foundation, to discuss the foundation’s impactful work in supporting communities across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Introduction to Uplifme and the Regional Foundation
Uplifme is a national resource hub focused on social service events and highlighting organizations that address social determinants of health. The Regional Foundation, under Kevin’s leadership, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families in low-income communities by supporting resident-driven neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
Resident-Driven Community Development
Kevin explained that the foundation provides grants to community organizations, particularly Community Development Corporations (CDCs), to support projects that residents have identified as priorities. These initiatives range from street improvements and affordable housing development to creating green spaces and providing workforce training. The foundation emphasizes projects that are comprehensive and sustainable, focusing on areas that residents believe will most improve their quality of life and economic viability.
Types of Grants and Funding Process
The Regional Foundation offers two main types of grants: planning grants, typically between $125,000 and $150,000, which support the initial development of community plans, and implementation grants, which can range from $500,000 to over a million dollars over five years. The foundation’s approach is long-term, often renewing grants to ensure projects have sufficient time and resources to succeed.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Kevin highlighted that their work is deeply collaborative, involving residents at every stage, from planning to implementation. The foundation is also evolving, exploring new strategic directions to better serve communities, such as capacity-building grants and program-related investments. Over the next year, the foundation will be focusing on strategic planning to refine its mission and enhance its impact.
Support and Contribution
The Regional Foundation operates as a public charity, allowing it to accept donations and build its endowment to further its mission. Kevin encouraged viewers to support their work through donations via their partner, the Philadelphia Foundation.
Conclusion
The conversation underscored the importance of resident-driven initiatives in community development and the role of philanthropic organizations like the Regional Foundation in providing the necessary resources and support. Through its strategic planning and community-focused grants, the Regional Foundation is committed to fostering vibrant, equitable, and economically viable neighborhoods.
By sharing their insights, both Katrina and Kevin aim to raise awareness about the foundation’s work and encourage greater community engagement and support for these transformative initiatives.
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