January 6, 2012

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Funders Collaborative awarded nine grants totaling $363,375. The grants support three of four Funders Collaborative goals, including the creation of a Strong Local Economy, Vibrant Transit-Oriented Places, and Effective Coordination and Collaboration.

A few highlights from Q4 include:

STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY

Ramsey County received a grant of $75,000 to support the convening of the Jobs Central initiative, a project seeking to integrate economic development and workforce development efforts along the Central Corridor. Sponsored by the Corridors of Opportunity initiative, this pilot project will demonstrate how to align skills assessment, training, and employment services provided to local residents with the employment needs of businesses, institutions, and industry clusters along the Corridor. The pilot’s goal is to support local industry job growth—and increase access to existing and emerging jobs for Corridor residents who are immigrant, low-income and/or persons of color.

VIBRANT TRANSIT-ORIENTED PLACES

District Councils’ Collaborative of Minneapolis and Saint Paul received a $75,000 grant, which will be used to support the Trusted Advocate Community Engagement project for the Central Corridor Transit Sector Study. Successfully used in Seattle, Washington and Oakland, California, the Trusted Advocate engagement model contracts with a member of specific communities to lead engagement of his/her community in a public process. In anticipation of the Central Corridor, Metro Transit is reviewing bus service to maximize effectiveness and efficiency. The study will look at development projects and other plans to ensure that transit service meets needs now and in the future, and Metro Transit and DCC of Minneapolis and St. Paul want to ensure deep community involvement in this process. Trusted Advocates will serve as liaisons and reduce cultural and language barriers to receive effective input.

A $10,000 grant was given to Historic Saint Paul, a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve, protect and enhance the historic character of Saint Paul neighborhoods. The grant will be used to promote the redevelopment of historic properties in the Central Corridor.

2011 Annual Grantmaking Total

In 2011, the Funders Collaborative made 28 grants worth $1,631,375, bringing the overall total to 65 grants worth $4.7M within four key areas, including Access to Affordable Housing, Strong Local Economy, Vibrant Transit-Oriented Places, and Coordination and Collaboration. For a full list of investments, click here.

Upcoming Events

May 9, 2012: Save the Date! Funders Collaborative Annual Stakeholder Event

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Wilder Foundation