NACEDA News

National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations                               June 22, 2022

Federal News
NACEDA Endorses the Revitalizing Small & Local Businesses Act


This bipartisan legislation (S.3340/H.R. 7451) would create a $50 million competitive grant program within the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support small businesses and business district revitalization in low-income, rural, and minority communities. It includes resources for national nonprofits to provide core operating support, technical assistance, and training to networks of Business District Organizations working on the ground in underserved communities. “Community economic developers will play a critical role in shaping equitable economic recovery strategies in underserved communities. This bill will go a long way in improving communication and streamlining resources between the Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration, and the field of CED nonprofits,” said NACEDA Executive Director Frank Woodruff. 


NACEDA News 
NACEDA Welcomes Peace Corps Fellow Chanse Sonsalla

Chanse headshotChanse joined NACEDA as our Peace Corps Fellow from the Stevenson Center for Applied Community and Economic Development at Illinois State University. Her primary responsibilities include supporting NACEDA’s outreach for the Grounding Values study of community-based development organizations, fundraising initiatives, and policy advocacy efforts. Chanse is excited to bring new perspectives on information and data accessibility, as well as a passion for service and community growth. Currently, she is working on completing her thesis and final academic year in the Masters of Sociology program. Chanse previously served as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer, teaching English and economics to secondary students in Bunumbu, Sierra Leone. She recently helped to revise and implement digital literacy curricula with Baker Ripley in Houston, Texas.

July 14 NACEDA Summit Focuses on Shaping the Narrative

Join NACEDA on July 14 for day 2 of the NACEDA Summit Series. We come together every other month to learn what's working to advance prosperity in low-income communities from peers, get national perspective and expertise, and strengthen connections among NACEDA members. The theme of the day is "Shaping the Narrative." We will kick off with the session "Shaping the Narrative to Gain Support for Affordable Homes and Vibrant Communities” featuring Dr. Jenny Schuetz, author of Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems. The closing session — “Strengthening the Capacity of Community-Based Development Organizations” — will explore how the services that community development associations provide for their members can help shape the narrative about the value and impact of community development.

Register now! All summits run from 1:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Not sure if you're registered? Contact Suzanne Gunther at [email protected]


Member News
CA Associations Co-Sponsor Bill to Expedite Affordable Housing on Church Land 


The Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH) and the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) are co-sponsors of Senate Bill 1336, reintroduced by State Senator Scott Wiener. The legislation would streamline the approval process for affordable housing developments on property owned by faith-based institutions, including nonprofit colleges. “Faith-based organizations have long served as community anchors, living out their faith by supporting their neighbors,” said Amie Fishman, Executive Director of NPH. “Homes are the foundation of any thriving community, and we’re proud to partner with Senator Wiener to advance this bill to make it easier for churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith-based institutions to build stable, affordable homes for their communities.”


Funding & Job Opportunities
Creative Placemaking Grants Bring Outdoor Concerts to Communities 

AMP Grant AwardLevitt AMP Grant Awards can be used to activate underused public spaces and build community through free, live music. This grant opportunity from the Levitt Foundation is open to nonprofits serving small to mid-sized towns and cities with populations up to 250,000 people. Grant recipients receive three-year matching grants of $30,000 per year, for a total grant award of $90,000, to present 10 free concerts/year ensuring access to the arts and creating joyous, inclusive community destinations. Determine your geographic eligibility and watch the webinar recording to learn more about the application process. Applications are due June 30.

Go to naceda.org and connect with us on social media: 

      Linked InFacebookTwitter