Support by Philanthropy and Government
Incubating Nonprofits and Strengthening Communities
Congregations are often located along main streets, key commercial
corridors or other areas targeted for economic development, yet typically
are not “invited to the table” as these plans are developed by government
agencies or community development groups. Congregations can provide
space for start-up organizations; make physical improvement to their space
and exterior ground that can make a visible impact on tired business
districts; they can also act as advocates for local business development, and
be good connectors to larger institutions—businesses, universities,
hospitals—seeking to hire locally.
Government agencies tasked in this area, as well as Business
Improvement Districts or Main Street programs can reach out to
congregations and invite them to partner in common cause when
community challenges are discussed and when planning is undertaken.
Funding though Community Development Block grants or similar
economic programs can be very useful in advancing this kind of
partnership.
Supporting the Arts
Of the 90 congregations that participated in Halo, 59%reported
hosting or sponsoring some sort of performing arts, music event, or space
for visual arts. Clearly, support of the arts is ubiquitous for religious
congregations with older buildings in these cities. At the same time, other
recent studies by Partners indicate that artists and arts groups in many
cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, Austin, and Baltimore are in
desperate need of performance, rehearsal, exhibit/studio, office, and
storage space. Municipal leaders increasingly recognize that support for the
arts enlivens neighborhoods, and is a boon to the local economy. Increased
match-making between artists seeking space and congregations with space
to share can respond to this need, and help place arts activity in a broad
range of communities or neighborhoods. Government agencies, artsservice organizations, and funders can assist in providing funding to
retrofit spaces and make them accessible; provide good models for
collaboration; and ease zoning or regulatory issues.
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