it takes more than Hammers and Nails
to Build a
Neighborhood
What Makes a Neighborhood Stand Out?
Think about the neighborhood where you grew up. Was it a great neighborhood or could it have been better? While the quality of architecture, well-maintained lawns and having schools, places of worship, and safe parks are all important, a neighborhood
really stands out when its residents are proud to call it “home.”
At United Way of Central Ohio, our Neighborhood Partnership Center provides area residents with vision, support and resources that empower them to make positive change in their neighborhoods.
We Improve the quality of lives in neighborhoods by providing technical assistance, training, and financial resources to neighborhood residents and organizations
NPC brings together residents and resources from neighborhood, businesses, varying levels of government and nonprofit organizations in Central Ohio. The center empowers neighborhood residents to promote positive change in their neighborhoods through training, technical assistance, grant programs and resource development.
Neighborhood Partnership Grants
The Neighborhood Partnership Grant is designed to provide resources to support neighborhood organizations and improvements in low- and moderate-income areas of Franklin County. Funded projects are selected on a competitive basis and are intended to increase resident involvement and volunteerism in community improvement projects. Projects should support capacity building at the neighborhood level, engage numerous stakeholder groups, and showcase local talent.
In 2008, 53 grants were awarded from 169 applicants totaling $300,000 in investment. Grants ranged from $800 to $12,500 with the average grant $5,660. These projects involved over 1,500 volunteers to implement these projects.
This is a collaborative effort with The Columbus Foundation, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, National City and Bob Evans.
Neighborhood Training Academy
The Neighborhood Training Academy is made possible with support and partnerships with more than 20 local nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, faith-based organizations and independent consultants. All of these organizations share in our objective of building vibrant neighborhoods.
In 2007, over 700 participants completed more than 50 classes through the Neighborhood Training Academy on topics such as grant writing, volunteer management, developing youth programs, community education and awareness, financial management and crime prevention and safety.
For more information about our Neighborhood Training Academy classes, please contact Sharon Ware at 614.241.3071.
Vibrant Neighborhoods Toolbox
– United Way & Macy’s Foundation Grant
The Vibrant Neighborhoods Toolbox is a unique opportunity for a neighborhood or community organization to complete a focus curriculum of capacity building courses coupled with a $1,500 implementation grant. This program is made possible through a relationship with the Macy’s Foundation.
Content of the courses include communication and public relations, community engagement and involvement, leadership development and public policy, legislation and advocacy.
Ongoing Services
- Library and Resource Materials
- Personal Computer use
- Copier and Printing facility
