4/11/2012

In the first quarter of 2012, the Funders Collaborative awarded seven grants totaling more than $560,000. The grants support two of four Funders Collaborative goals: the creation of a Strong Local Economy and Vibrant Transit-Oriented Places. 

A few highlights from this quarter include:

VIBRANT TRANSIT-ORIENTED PLACES

The Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) was awarded $20,000 to support the partnership hosting Charles Landry for a week-long residency in early May. Mr. Landry (internationally acclaimed author of The Art of City Making and The Creative City) will spend the week working with partners along the Central Corridor to explore the creation of a cultural corridor in addition to speaking at several events. Learn more or register for the residency’s ‘kick off’ event here and for Mr. Landry’s keynote speech at the Great River Gathering Dinner here.

The Funders Collaborative supported the development of bike transit on the Corridor through two grants this quarter. Cycles for Change received $30,000 to support the expansion of a bike center near Dale and University Avenues. And Nice Ride Minnesota received $100,000 to expand its bicycle sharing system along the Central Corridor into downtown Saint Paul.

STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY

The University Avenue Business Preparation Collaborative (U7) was awarded $200,000 to continue helping small businesses prepare for, and thrive in, the changing Central Corridor marketplace through training, technical assistance and financing. 

The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) received $100,000 to support the Contracting for Success initiative to build the capacity of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to participate in the construction of the Central Corridor line.

To date, the Funders Collaborative has made 72 grants totaling nearly $5.4M in four key areas: Access to Affordable Housing, Strong Local Economy, Vibrant Transit Oriented Places and Coordination and Collaboration. For a complete list of investments, click here.