Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. (SWNI) awarded 16 grants to neighborhood associations and community organizations through the Office of Neighborhood Involvement’s Neighborhood Small Grants program.
SWNI Neighborhood Small Grant Selection Committee recommended the $21,370 in funds be awarded to the following projects.
Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association for Community Resource Fair ($750)
Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association will host a resource fair in conjunction with the Stephenson Elementary Back to School Picnic. Businesses, neighborhood groups and youth groups will be invited to share in a “one-stop shopping” for parents in the area.
Dickinson Park Stewards for Dickinson Park at the Movies ($1970)
Dickinson Park Stewards will host two to three outdoor movies in Dickinson Park to showcase the park, build on the volunteer base and create community.
Far Southwest Neighborhood Association for Operation of Outreach ($920)
A door-to-door outreach that includes information about crime prevention, Far Southwest Neighborhood Association, disaster preparedness, NET and block watch. A survey of special needs, skills and tools/supplies will be assessed during this door-to-door. Additional monies assist in funding a community potluck tied in with National Night Out.
Girl Scouts Columbia River Council Troop 1984 for Garden Rejuvenation at Robert Gray Middle School ($970)
This project is to use the garden rejuvenation project as a place for young women to develop hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. It will offer an outdoor retreat and foster pride and ownership for all students.
Girl Scouts Columbia River Council Troop 1338 for the Girl Scout Family Sock Hop for Seniors ($645)
This project will be hosted by the Girl Scouts for their families and seniors. It will offer the girls leadership and outreach opportunities. A canned food drive will be in lieu of admission.
Hillsdale Alliance for the Hillsdale Tower/Sign Lighting ($1470)
Funds from this grant will assist in paying for the lighting of the large sign in a prominent location in Hillsdale that reads HILLSDALE. 30,000 commuters will pass by the sign daily.
Homestead Neighborhood Association for Using Nature and Community Partnerships to Increase Neighborhood Involvement ($500)
This grant consists of outreach activities, such as trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, designed to appeal to neighbors who use the trails extensively.
Hayhurst School Parent Teacher Association for Initiative to Strengthen the Hayhurst
Community ($620)
The funds will go towards a neighborhood-wide mailing to invite neighbors to the school’s multicultural fair that will provide opportunities for neighbors to develop relationships with the school community. Included in the invitation will be a way for neighbors to receive the school’s weekly newsletter.
Maplewood Neighborhood Association for the Maplewood Summer Picnic 2008 ($1470)
This event is the annual neighborhood picnic held in conjunction with National Night Out at the local elementary. The event allows neighbors to meet each other, the board and various groups like the NET and Friends of Vermont Creek.
Marshall Park Neighborhood Association for National Night Out & Park Outreach ($1520)
Marshall Park Neighborhood Association will host a National Night Out picnic and a meeting to design a kiosk/community gathering place. Both will be promoted through a neighborhood-wide mailing.
Multnomah Historical Society for Updated Brochure & DVD creation for Centennial Celebration ($1965)
The Multnomah Historical Society will convert an extensive slide collection into a DVD with narration, artwork, graphics, along with packaging and promotion. An updated brochure will also be created. Both are in preparation for the Centennial celebration happening in 2008.
Somali Community Services for Website Development ($1970)
This project is the development of a resource website. It will offer much-needed improved communication and create awareness of the center to other agencies in Oregon.
Somali Women’s Association for Somali Women’s Social Gatherings & Sewing Project $1970)
SWA will offer sewing lessons to Somali women and a sewing machine at the end of the class to attendees. During the classes, different organizations are invited to give presentations about services they provide. Programs include how to access government agencies, school agencies, etc.
South Portland Neighborhood Association for Increasing and Strengthening Neighborhood Involvement and Connection with Area Businesses ($1970)
Funding will go for an 11 x 17 mailing to every household announcing the summer concert series. The mailer will contain additional information promoting the neighborhood association and its projects. Additionally the neighborhood association will work with businesses to help organize a new business association through another mailer.
SWNI Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee for Southwest Portland Public Safety Educational Outreach Project ($1720)
This is a three pronged-approach for Educational Outreach: One a four-page “public safety” insert into the SWNI newspaper; two will be the 3rd annual community policing reception, celebrating appreciation for the SW officers; third, the organization of the 2nd annual basketball camp for HAP apartments in Southwest.
West Portland Park Neighborhood Association for Sign Caps for West Portland Park ($970)
This project involves creating and installing neighborhood sign caps on strategic street corners to help create a sense of community and better identify the neighborhood of West Portland Park.
Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. (SWNI) received 22 proposal requests for over $38,000 and wants to acknowledge the incredible dedication our neighborhoods and community groups have shown. These grants are an example of how the community is embracing collaboration, is hungry for relationship-building and understands the value of creating sustainable projects. We thank all the applicants for your commitment to create safe, healthy, vibrant, inclusive, socially diverse and livable communities; it was obvious these values are important reading your proposals.
SWNI would like to extend its gratitude to the Grant Committee, who took the time to give each proposal careful consideration. The committee understands and appreciates the work that our neighborhoods and community organizations do and had to make some difficult decisions. They made those decisions with compassion and care.
The goal of the Neighborhood Small Grants Program is to provide neighborhood and community organizations an opportunity to expand their community-building capacity, attract new and diverse members and sustain those already involved. -ONI