Financial and Training Support

In addition to monies available to communities through the Neighborhood Support Program and the Business District Support Fund administered by IIN, Invest provides program and operational funding to community councils through additional programs as resources come available.

NEIGHBORHOOD FUND

Invest serves as the administrator of a perpetual fund currently known as the Neighborhood Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Income generated from the fund is divided among member community councils on an annual basis (Annual Interest Grant), helping to fund operations not otherwise eligible for grants. Expenditures, however, must be for quailifed 501(c)3 activities. Current year AIG Report Form.

The fund was established in 1985 with a contribution of $5440 from each of the participating neighborhoods and contributions from a number of Cincinnati corporations. By the late 1980s, the fund was capitalized to nearly $450,000 toward a goal of $1,000,000. In early 2012 it's value stood at $800,000. Since 1985, approximately $770,000 has been distributed to member communities.

NEIGHBOR NETWORK AND MERIT GRANT PROGRAM

The Merit Grant Program allows neighborhoods the opportunity to pursue creative, innovative projects that may be difficult to fully fund through other sources. However, it is conducted only as funds are available.

Grants, which have been made possible by donations from Cincinnati corporations, are awarded on a competitive basis, with proposals ranked on originality, need, completeness and impact on community. Past projects have included: beautification and landscaping for neighborhood parks; air conditioners for a senior center; summer programs for youth; entrepreneurial development support; renovation of a playground; and support for educational programming.

Proposals are traditionally solicited in the early spring. Projects must be submitted under the sponsorship of the 48 community councils who are members of Invest In Neighborhoods. After evaluation by a peer review committee, the winners are announced at Invest In Neighborhoods' annual meeting.

In early 1999, the organization established the Merit Grant Endowment to provide perpetual funding for the program. A development campaign is underway to grow the endowment. Please contact us for more information.

Training And Leadership Support

Invest offers regular training opportunities on topics of interest to community councils and non-profit organizations. Workshops have covered such topics as parliamentary procedures, planning skills, leadership skills, public relations, newsletters, and grantsmanship. Invest also schedules regular administrative and financial procedures training for NSP and NBDSF managers, as well as annual orientation sessions for preparing proposals. These workshops are open to community residents. Invest also has been a partner with the City since 2003 in producing the annual Neighborhood Summit.

Technical Assistance/Supportive Services

Invest In Neighborhoods provides technical assistance/supportive services in operations and administrative procedures, financial management, NSP/NBDSF proposal development, grantsmanship, project planning and development, and others. Such assistance includes phone consultation, one-on-one or small group meetings, group presentations, or on-site training on an as-needed basis. These services are available to community councils, their boards, officers, and/or trustees and to other community-based organizations.

Leadership Manual

In 1999 Invest compiled a comprehensive step-by-step guide to forming, organizing, and conducting the business of a neighborhood community council. This Leadership Handbook addresses legal and tax requirements, necessary skills for leaders, conduct of meetings, fund raising and related topics. Much of it is available here.