ST. PAUL, MINN. – (May 26, 2015) – The Knight Green Line Challenge opens for applications beginning June 10, seeking innovative ideas that support vibrant neighborhoods along the Green Line in St. Paul. The challenge is offering $500,000 for ideas that answer the question: What’s your best idea to tap into the potential of the Green Line to make surrounding neighborhoods in St. Paul more vibrant places to live and work?
Related Link
“$500,000 Knight Green Line Challenge opens for ideas” – on Knight Blog by George Abbott, 6/10/2015
Applications will be accepted until July 10. The challenge is open to innovators of all kinds: students, social workers, teachers, architects, entrepreneurs, technologists, activists, artists, business owners, professionals, urban planners, or community members. The application will be available starting June 10 at www.knightgreenlinechallenge.org.
Any individual, business, nonprofit or public organization can apply. There are just two rules:
1. Proposed projects must take place in and benefit at least one of six St. Paul neighborhoods along the Green Line: Downtown St. Paul, Frogtown/Thomas-Dale, Hamline Midway, St. Anthony Park, Summit-University or Union Park.
2. Ideas must tap into the potential of the Green Line to create impact in one or more of these three key areas:
- Exciting current residents and attracting newcomers to the Central Corridor
- Expanding economic opportunity and breaking down divides
- Strengthening a culture of civic engagement
“The Green Line has the potential to connect and energize the neighborhoods and businesses it serves,” said George Abbott, Knight Foundation interim program director for St. Paul. “We want fresh ideas from people who can use the Green Line’s potential to benefit the city as a whole and contribute to its growth.”
To encourage ideas, Knight Foundation will host community Q&A sessions. These events will offer tips on preparing applications, information on the challenge, and an opportunity to talk with Knight staff about how to craft a great submission. Two sessions have been scheduled, with additional online sessions to be offered later in June:
Monday, June 11, 5:30–7 pm
High School for Recording Arts
1166 University Avenue W, St. Paul
RSVP here
Tuesday, June 12, 8:30–10 am
Black Dog Cafe
308 East Prince Street, St. Paul
RSVP here
Check our blog and follow @knightgreenline on Twitter for information on additional Q&A sessions scheduling updates.
The Green Line Challenge builds on Knight’s leadership in co-founding the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative, an initiative that brings together diverse groups across sectors to increase opportunities and benefit communities along the new light rail line. The challenge is a three-year, $1.5 million commitment from Knight Foundation. It is now in its second year.
It is supported by Knight Foundation and managed by The Saint Paul Foundation.
For more information visit: www.knightgreenlinechallenge.org.
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. www.knightfoundation.org
About the Saint Paul Foundation
Since 1940, thousands of generous individuals committed to the Saint Paul area have made charitable gifts to The Saint Paul Foundation. Today, the Foundation is the state’s largest community foundation. Guided by the legacy of its earliest donors, the Foundation helps donors achieve their charitable giving goals and have long-lasting impact in the community. The Foundation is an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Learn more at saintpaulfoundation.org and mnpartners.org.
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CONTACTS:
Kathy Graves, Parenteau Graves, 612-242-3184, [email protected]
Anusha Alikhan, Director of Communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677, [email protected]