Community Heart & Soul Forms Partnerships to Boost Local Engagement in Western New York and Michigan

Community Heart & Soul Partners with Regional Foundations

Community Heart & Soul has announced the establishment of partnerships with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. This collaborative effort, made possible by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, aims to promote resident-driven initiatives throughout communities in Western New York and Southeast Michigan.

Through this initiative, Community Heart & Soul will implement its established model to help small cities and towns within the region. The focus will be on equipping communities with necessary resources and tools that encourage resident participation, prioritize shared goals, and develop action plans tailored to each local community's distinct characteristics and aspirations.

Betsy Constantine, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, emphasized the importance of community engagement in driving meaningful transformations. She stated, “Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York is central to our mission. Elevating community voices is critical for effectuating real change in smaller municipalities.” This sentiment illustrates the commitment of the foundation to ensuring that local residents play an integral role in shaping their future.

Rochester Area Community Foundation's President, Simeon Banister, expressed enthusiasm about using the Community Heart & Soul framework to foster meaningful connections among varied communities, from suburban to rural. He stated that they are keen to understand the diverse needs of their rural communities, ensuring that the resources provided align closely with local priorities.

Patti Manley, Board Chair of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, echoed this sentiment by noting that the inclusive, collaborative approach championed by Community Heart & Soul will enhance their efforts in engaging rural towns, driving home the importance of collective understanding and future planning.

Maura Dewan, Vice President of Programs and Corporate Affairs at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, highlighted the foundation's joy in seeing multiple community foundations leverage funding to adopt the Community Heart & Soul methodology, particularly in rural regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. “We are excited about the prospect of partnering with amazing organizations to enhance community engagement,” she remarked, emphasizing their collective goal to strengthen local leadership.

Mark Sherman, President of Community Heart & Soul, expressed optimism about the upcoming collaboration with these foundations to amplify their impact further. He remarked, “Together, we can broaden the reach of our community engagement approach, aiding more locales in embracing resident-focused strategies.”

Community Heart & Soul is a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on empowering small cities and towns across the U.S. to become more vibrant and economically robust. By advocating for the Community Heart & Soul model, they offer training and support through a nationwide network of certified coaches, guiding over 120 communities in strategic engagement practices. As part of their commitment, the organization is currently providing $10,000 Seed Grants available to qualifying small towns and cities to help them initiate the Community Heart & Soul process.

To learn more about their initiatives or application procedures for the Seed Grants, visit Community Heart & Soul.