SAN JOSE, Calif. – March 30, 2016 – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced $415,660 in new funding for seven projects aimed at introducing new economic opportunities to the city’s diverse residents and encouraging them to participate more in civic life.
From tech training for low-income residents to a bike program that promotes social interaction and engagement, the projects focus on building a more vibrant, inclusive San Jose, while leveraging some of the city’s greatest strengths: talent, open spaces and motivated public leaders. Led by community development and public sector organizations, the projects reflect a growing recognition that a thriving city is defined and led by its community.
“San Jose is experiencing exciting growth and Knight remains an active supporter of urban experimentation and identifying and supporting emerging leaders,” said Danny Harris, Knight Foundation program director for San Jose. “From microgrants for ‘awesome’ ideas to engaging world-class architects to help us reimagine our public spaces, these projects empower individuals and organizations to be more active drivers of our city’s success.”
The organizations receiving support include:
Awesome Foundation San Jose ($6,000) – Supporting the launch of the Awesome Foundation San Jose, which provides $1,000 microgrants to “awesome” ideas across the city.
City of San Jose ($50,000) – Strengthening civic engagement in San Jose by piloting new community engagement tools and technology as part of the city of San Jose’s community budget process, so more people can contribute their views.
Hack the Hood ($25,000) – Introducing low-income San Jose youth of color to careers in tech by hiring and training them to build websites for small businesses in their neighborhoods.
Public Design Studio ($50,000) – Advancing a culture of engagement in San Jose by improving the design of public spaces in the city through a project that matches early-stage city of San Jose infrastructure projects with nationally recognized architecture and design firms working pro bono.
San Jose Public Library ($75,000) – Supporting the creation of San Jose Public Library Works, a workforce development and employment training center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in downtown.
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition ($199,660) – Expanding Bikepool, a social and safe bike commuting service, that aims to decrease the use of cars and increase community engagement through biking.
SoFa Winter Market ($10,000) – Expanding the SoFa Winter Market, which supports local artists and makers, from a one-day to a two-day event.
Funding for these projects forms one part of Knight Foundation’s efforts to support the urbanization of a traditionally sprawling city with a specific focus on Central San Jose and how the city’s core can attract and retain talent, expand opportunity and build a culture of civic engagement. Since 2008, Knight Foundation has invested more than $22 million in San Jose, including a recent $1 million investment to 15 community development organizations and a $630,000 investment in the arts.
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.
Contact:
Anusha Alikhan, Director of Communications, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, 305-908-2646, [email protected]