MACON, Ga. – July 20, 2016 – Historic Macon Foundation will launch its Neighborhood Incubator initiative to strengthen and build neighborhood associations across Macon that will improve their communities and promote positive change. The initiative is supported by $50,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The project will promote broad-based resident engagement, creating programming to enhance existing neighborhood associations and support new associations. Through a fee-based service, associations will receive support to improve communications efforts and organize membership databases. New neighborhood associations will benefit from “Neighborhood in a Box,” an all-in-one resource that provides tools to set strategic goals for their neighborhood. For example, the toolkit will have samples of neighborhood association bylaws, best practices for effective neighborhood communications, tips for successful neighborhood social events and much more. The resource will evolve as Historic Macon Foundation researches the needs of Macon neighborhoods.
Small grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 will be awarded to existing and new neighborhood associations to execute and achieve their goals. Historic Macon Foundation will help create a neighborhood council to serve as a forum for leaders to connect and collaborate on work, so they can make a bigger impact together.
“Well-organized and functioning neighborhood associations are the key to safer, stronger and more desirable places to live. Through this initiative we hope to foster a more livable and engaged Macon,” said Ethiel Garlington, Historic Macon Foundation executive director.
“Macon is fortunate to have distinct neighborhoods throughout our community. The Neighborhood Incubator will provide a welcoming setting for Maconites to get to know one another, and in the process, build both strong connections among neighbors and a network to advocate for policies that recognize and strengthen the critical role that our neighborhoods play in creating Macon’s future,” said Beverly Blake, Knight Foundation program director for Macon.
Macon has five organized neighborhood associations: InTown Macon, Beall’s Hill, Vineville, Shirley Hills, and North Highlands. The neighborhood incubator aims to build on and expand this network, using the success of the collaboration seen in Macon’s College Hill as a model for growth.
“The Neighborhood Incubator will help Macon’s efforts toward becoming a desired place for new businesses to relocate and a destination for increased tourism, while preserving Macon’s rich history and showcasing its many assets. Together, people working for the common good will also make for a better and stronger quality of life for all,” said Linden Bridges, North Highlands neighborhood representative.
Support for Historic Macon forms one part of Knight Foundation’s efforts to expand opportunities in Macon, while fostering talent retention and attraction. Knight has made many investments in this area including $3 million to support Historic Macon’s efforts to revitalize the Beall’s Hill neighborhood.
About Historic Macon Foundation
Founded in 1964, Historic Macon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes Macon by preserving architecture and sharing history. For over 50 years, Historic Macon has been engaged in community revitalization efforts and has led the nation in innovative tactics for historic preservation. For more information or to become a member, visit www.historicmacon.org or call 478-742-5084.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit knightfoundation.org.
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Contacts:
Ethiel Garlington, Executive Director, Historic Macon Foundation, 478-742-5084, [email protected]
Anusha Alikhan, Director of Communications, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, 305-908-2646, [email protected]