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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Community Building Fund Report Community Building Fund 2024 Report Page 1 of 17 Overview The Community Building Fund was established in 2024 using funds from the dissolution of the Diversity Council. This program supports projects, programs, and events within the City that actively promote Social Equity. By providing financial support to these initiatives, the Community Building Fund aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents. This report details the program’s progress and impact so far, including an overview of approved applications. Fund Progress The Community Building Fund Program received $50,000 for 2024 applications. Funding was distributed to 16 approved applications. It is important to note that approved applications do not always receive the full amount of funding requested. In total, $60,100 was requested by the approved applications, and $50,000 was awarded. Program Website More information, including the program’s eligibility requirements, rubrics, an application, are available on the City’s website at www.rochestermn.gov/cbf (located under the Community Building Fund dropdown). Approved Applications The following pages provide summaries of approved applications. Page 2 of 17 2024 Overcoming Racism Conference Organization: Congregational Church Funding Amount: $1,500 Project Timeline: November 8, 2024 Description: The event is a satellite gathering for the annual Overcoming Racism Conference organized by the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC) in the Twin Cities. This year's theme, "Reparations in Action," focused on addressing the impacts of racist policies on Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color across various sectors, including housing, employment, criminal justice, and education. Overall, the conference aims to discuss the harm caused by these policies while showcasing efforts to promote justice, repair, and new opportunities for affected communities. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Increase awareness of the harm of racism in the Rochester area and contribute to steps toward repair by promoting collaboration and opportunities across sectors.  Target Audience: Primarily Rochester-area attendees, particularly Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color, as well as individuals and organizations committed to equity in economic and educational resources  Future Plans: Measure success through attendance, evaluations, and positive interest in holding a Rochester event in 2025, with a goal to establish this as an annual local event in alignment with FREC’s mission. Post-event Feedback: “At the morning livestream event we heard from leaders from various sectors of Minnesota (health care, housing, governance, religion, and more) who identified the harm done in their respective sector and they shared specific ways those harms are being addressed. It was very informative and inspirational. The afternoon workshops focused on local engagement for representation and inclusivity, community wealth building, and the history of legislation and racism and past efforts for reparations. The event may not have been possible without your generous support.” “The morning and afternoon workshops were inspirational along with being very informative. Feedback evaluations were all very positive.” Page 3 of 17 Art Engagement & Community Building Organization: Griot Arts Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: Launched in 2024 and runs through end of December 2024 Description: Griot Arts is a new community arts hub centering on Black art, literature, and cultural expression in downtown Rochester. This project aims to bring the community together through arts and literature by hosting a series of events, including open studio events, poetry readings, creative workshops, and youth- centered programs. These events will prioritize Black and Brown voices and experiences. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Foster a stronger sense of community, joy, and belonging through arts and literature.  Target Audience: Black and African American community members from different backgrounds.  Future Plans: Continuation of programs in partnership with other community organizations and businesses beyond December 2024. Post-event Feedback: “I learned what about how to launch a diverse set of accessible arts-based community programming that was nimble and adaptable for different age groups. I also learned a great deal about the types of supplies and materials were needed to implement this type of programming.” “Kids and youth were eager to return to Griot Arts for future programming. Adults felt that the events contributed to a sense of belonging and wellbeing and often suggested future programming and/or collaborations to strengthen and sustain what we had offered.” “Gratitude for the availability of these funds and the ease of applying. We could not have implemented this idea successfully without the support of this fund.” Page 4 of 17 Any Path to the TABLE Organization: Zumbro Valley Medical Society Foundation Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: Launched in 2024 and runs through end of December 2024 Description: The “Any Path to The TABLE” program integrates initiatives to support individuals experiencing homeless in Olmsted County through partnerships among Any Path Home, The TABLE, and Zumbro Valley Medical Center. Key program elements include community-building events such as a cookout planned and hosted by The TABLE—a team of advisors with lived experience of homelessness. This event, intended for homelessness response agencies, community members, and City leaders, fosters community inclusion and center the voices of those impacted by homelessness as active partners in the effort to secure stable housing for all. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Empower people experiencing homelessness socially and economically by providing paid leadership roles in event planning and community engagement, promoting social equity, and dispelling stigma.  Target Audience: Rochester’s unhoused community, including individuals across the spectrum of housing instability, and the broader Rochester community seeking to build equitable, inclusive spaces.  Future Plans: Measure success by community engagement, including attendance, volunteerism, and public interest in future events. Build on the program’s momentum to create ongoing opportunities for collaboration and support housing access initiatives into 2025 and beyond. Post-event Feedback: “A major learning from implementing the idea of The TABLE hosting a community cookout is that a lot can happen when we put our minds to it and work as a group. The Community Building Fund grant allowed a relatively newly formed group of people with direct experience of homelessness to plan and carry out an idea for community integration. They could see and feel the results of their efforts. One TABLE member summarized the sense of belonging and cohesion that resulted from implementing the cookout idea: ‘I’m proud of us.’” “The Community Building Fund process was a wonderful way for members of The TABLE to articulate their experience and vision for a more integrated community for the City of Rochester. The application questions were inspiring. We appreciate the opportunity to apply and then to implement our idea.” Page 5 of 17 Back-To-School Block Party & Parade Organization: Community Collaboration (Sports Mentorship Academy as Fiscal Host) Funding Amount: $2,500 Event Date(s): August 17, 2024 Description: Rochester’s Fourth annual back-to-school block party and parade will provide free school supplies, haircuts, food, and family-friendly activities, with support from local organizations and businesses. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: The event creates a space for students and Rochester Public Schools staff to connect and build relationships prior to the school year. It helps reduce financial burdens on families by providing essential school supplies and services.  Target Audience: Underserved and underrepresented students in Rochester, MN, including school-age children and youth.  Future Plans: Continue to grow the event and maintain it as one of the most anticipated summer events. Sustain the project through meticulous record-keeping and fundraising, ensuring the continuation of the event for years to come. Post-event Feedback: “We were able to provide the essential school supplies to over 1100 kids in our community. We were also able to provide some families with hygiene items and shoes. This helped to slightly decrease the stress of obtaining these things for their children going back to school.” Page 6 of 17 Black History Travelling Exhibit Organization: Sports Mentorship Academy Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: May 31, 2024 Description: Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy is a travelling exhibition of key figures and events that have shaped the local Black community in Rochester, Minnesota and the city’s history. The exhibit is an ongoing community project to preserve and honor local Black history. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Compile, educate and share key people and events that have shaped the local Black community to elevate voices and experiences of Rochester’s Black community. This education can inform systemic decisions as the community grows.  Target Audience: Community members, partners, organizations, and institutions of all races, genders, and ages.  Future Plans: The travelling exhibit continues to grow as additional research is completed. Launched at City Hall (view the event video), the exhibit has travelled to Rochester Art Center, Gibbs Elementary, Mayo High School, John Marshall High School, Rochester Public Library, Dakota Middle School, Olmsted County, Rochester Public Utilities, Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester International Airport and United Methodist Church. The exhibit will continue to travel. Post-event Feedback: “After implementing this idea and scheduling the locations, we found that many other entities wanted this at their locations. The education piece of this was the most important part.” “This idea was a success because it educated so many people young and old about the history of people of color that live and lived in Rochester.” Page 7 of 17 Equity Eats Organization: Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution (SEMNFRR) Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Start Date: August 28 – September 17, 2024 Description: SEMNFRR's "Equity Eats" initiative aims to bridge a nutrition gap for Franklin, Gage, and Riverside elementary schools in Rochester by providing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to students prior to the start of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). In partnership with local farmers, SEMNFRR will deliver cleaned, sorted, and graded produce ready for immediate consumption. This initiative aligns with Rochester’s priorities of health and social equity by ensuring that students from underserved communities receive adequate nutrition, helping them thrive in the classroom. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Deliver approximately 14,000 servings of fresh, locally sourced produce over eight days, promoting student health and supporting the local economy by purchasing directly from area farms.  Target Audience: Approximately 1,566 students and staff at Franklin, Gage, and Riverside elementary schools, where high percentages of students face food insecurity.  Future Plans: SEMNFRR plans to sustain the program through partnerships with school coordinators, Rochester Public Schools Nutrition Services, and the Olmsted County Food Security Coalition, with additional funding efforts to support ongoing needs in future school years. Post-event Feedback: “The teachers and kids were very grateful and excited to know that these delicious apples are grown in their backyard. This project exposes food system gaps, and solutions. Community schools and staff, and SEMNFRR are working together to identify the historical and emerging needs of students in Rochester, MN.” Page 8 of 17 Fresh Produce Aggregation to Local Food Shelves Organization: The Village Agricultural Cooperative Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Start Date: July to Mid-October 2025 Description: The Village Agricultural Cooperative operates 6 urban farms and a farmers’ market in Rochester, MN. This project aggregates fresh produce from immigrant community members' farms and delivers it to smaller local food shelves. The initiative promotes food sovereignty by providing culturally relevant foods and supporting local farmers. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and healthy lifestyles through fresh food access.  Target Audience: Diverse communities including African, Asian, and Latin/Hispanic groups.  Success Measurement: Data collection on economic gains, food delivered, and food shelf access; farmer surveys at the end of the season.  Future Plans: Secure sustaining funding and expand land lease or purchase for continued growth. Post-event Feedback: “Your monetary donation of $5,000 in support of our work at the Village Agricultural Cooperative goes a long way toward supporting our mission. The families who farm with us are working on making Minnesota their forever homes where they raise their families and share their traditions with one another.” Page 9 of 17 Housing Web Portal Organization: OpenBeam.net Funding Amount: $600 Timeline: November 2024 launch Description: The Housing Web Portal project aims to increase housing stock and expand Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) home ownership in Rochester by providing a comprehensive online platform. The portal will showcase each sector’s housing projects, funding streams, and efforts. It will display community-wide housing statistics and provide a side-by-side comparison of project statuses, similar to the existing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion portal. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Enhance understanding of housing disparities in the BIPOC population and increase transparency of housing efforts in Rochester.  Target Audience: BIPOC leaders and their communities represented by organizations such as CMRC, NAACP, IMAA.  Future Plans: The portal will be built on top of the Community Beam infrastructure. Continuous support will be solicited from the technical community to co-create a culture of shared opportunities and responsibilities. Post-event Feedback: “The $600 funded by the city supplemented my own investment in developing the Community Beam portal on which the Housing Beam portal was built.” “Affordable housing is a national challenge. Our community should be credited for instigating many projects to meet the challenge. These efforts are not always visible to the community at large, http://housing.dmcbeam.org/ (Housing Beam) was created to showcase housing initiatives led by the city, county, and housing coalition in the hope to demonstrate the pro-active actions taken by community leadership” Page 10 of 17 John Marshall Identify Mural Organization: John Marshall High School Funding Amount: $2,500 Timeline: October 2023 – October 2024 Description: The JM Identity Mural is a collaborative public art project designed to capture and celebrate the diversity and community spirit of John Marshall High School. Created in partnership with GoodSpace Murals, this 2,000-square-foot mural at the school's main entrance includes mosaic tile stars and rich imagery representing the school’s values, student engagement, and Rochester’s community. The design involved 950 students, 75 staff, 35 alumni, and 60 families, with over 600 students and 300 community members contributing to its creation. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Build a welcoming, inclusive space that visually represents the identity and values of the JM community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride for students, staff, families, and alumni.  Target Audience: The diverse JM student body, their families, alumni, Rochester residents, and visitors.  Future Plans: The mural will feature in school orientations, be shared with alumni, and serve as an educational resource in classrooms, ensuring its legacy as a symbol of school pride and community inclusion. Page 11 of 17 Juneteenth Jubilee Breakfast Organization: Barbershop Talk Funding Amount: $3,000 Event Date(s): June 19, 2024 Description: Barbershop Talk hosted an inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee Breakfast to honor the Holiday in Rochester. The breakfast featured reflections on freedom and local Black legacy, a keynote speaker, music, and opportunities for community connection. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Celebrate Freedom Day, educate attendees about its significance, and strengthen community bonds.  Target Audience: Community members, partners, organizations, and institutions of all races, genders, and ages.  Success Measurement: Number of attendees and feedback from the community on the event's content and impact.  Future Plans: Outreach to community partners, organizations, and institutions for partnership or sponsorship for future events. Post-event Feedback: “The event went amazingly well. We had around 160 people there. We got some great feedback from many City leaders and community members.” “This was very successful because we were able to not only have large attendance, but we were able to educate all that attended about the meaning of Juneteenth and the importance of unity in our community.” Page 12 of 17 Latino Fest 2024 Organization: Alliance of Chicanos Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA) Funding Amount: $2,500 Event Date(s): September 14, 2024 Description: Latino Fest is a vibrant celebration of Latino heritage, featuring music, dance, traditional cuisine, and cultural displays. The event aims to bring people together to appreciate and learn about Latin American traditions. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Foster a sense of belonging for Latin American, Hispanic, and Chicano community members and promote cultural understanding among the broader community.  Target Audience: The event is open to all, with a focus on highlighting the Latin American communities.  Future Plans: Grow sponsorship base and build lasting relationships to ensure the event remains a community cornerstone. Post-event Feedback: “We had approximately 2,400 people visited Latino Fest in six hours, and many wished to stay longer to enjoy the evening in downtown.” “We feel that Latino Fest defeated some ignorance tied to stereotyping. The attendees were impacted by experiencing and learning the real truth essence of not only the beauty of our Heritage. But also, helped recognize the unique contributions we are in Rochester, MN, and the gifts we bring with us.” Page 13 of 17 Rochester Pride Organization: Rochester Pride Funding Amount: $2,500 Event Date(s): May 31, 2024 Description: Rochester Pride aims to provide Pride events for the gender-identity and sexual-orientation minority communities and their allies; that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community; in order to promote an environment for advocacy, outreach, inclusion, and equity for gender-identity and sexual- orientation minorities. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Foster a sense of belonging and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals and promote understanding and inclusivity within the broader community.  Target Audience: The vent is open to all, with a focus on celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.  Future Plans: Expand community outreach and partnerships to increase participation and ensure the event continues to be a pivotal celebration of diversity and inclusion in Rochester. Post-event Feedback: “With an estimated 5000 attendees, we learned that there is great demand for LGBTQ spaces and representation as well as a large amount of support from the broader community.” “The feedback on the event from the LGBTQ community was enthusiastic and grateful for a place where everyone can feel comfortable and find community.” Page 14 of 17 Silver Lake Dedication and Indigenous People’s Day Organization: Greater Rochester Area Dakota Supporters (GRADS) Funding Amount: $3,500 Event Date(s): October 14 (Indigenous People’s Day) and Silver Lake Park Dedication (TBD) Description: GRADS seeks to strengthen connections between the Rochester community and the Dakota people, focusing on two key events: Indigenous People's Day (IDP) and the Wak pa wazi oju dedication at Silver Lake Park, a site intended to honor and recognize the Dakota Nation’s historical connection to the area. IDP has annually impacted Rochester’s Native American youth, representing over 100 tribes in the local schools, while the dedication aims to foster reconciliation with the Dakota communities who remained in Minnesota despite adversities. The event will be coordinated with Dakota Hereditary Chief Vernell Wabasha to honor cultural traditions. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Recognize and celebrate the Dakota people’s contributions and historical presence, creating a foundation for understanding and reconciliation between the Dakota Nation and Rochester.  Target Audience: Rochester residents, including Native American youth in local schools, city officials, and representatives from the four Dakota reservations in Minnesota.  Future Plans: Continue annual IDP celebrations, foster ongoing partnerships with Dakota leaders, and maintain Silver Lake Park’s dedication site as a place of cultural learning and community gathering. Page 15 of 17 Somali Community Gathering Event Lead Organization: Rochester Somali Community Center Funding Amount: $2,500 Event Date(s): July 17, 2024 Description: The Rochester Community Gathering event was a vibrant celebration of joy, culture, and unity. It brought together community members to celebrate shared achievements, strengthen bonds, and look forward to a brighter future. Attendees reflected on milestones, honored dedicated members, and discussed exciting future plans. The event featured inspiring speeches, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors. Festivities included joyful music and captivating cultural dance performances, showcasing Somali heritage and community spirit. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: The event fostered a deeper sense of unity, cultural appreciation, and collective progress among the Somali community in Rochester. It strengthened community bonds, preserved and celebrated cultural heritage, and inspired community engagement.  Target Audience: Somali families, elders, youth, the broader Rochester community, and local businesses and vendors.  Future Plans: Establish the community gathering event as an annual tradition, boost local businesses, and enhance civic engagement through networking and collaboration. Page 16 of 17 Somali Independence and Cultural Day Lead Organization: Pamoja Women Organization Funding Amount: $2,500 Event Date(s): July 10, 2024 Description: The Somali Independence and Cultural day showcased the rich culture of East Africa. The event went beyond commemorating Somali Independence; it provided an opportunity for the Somali community and the broader Rochester community to come together, celebrate their journey, and promote unity and inclusion. The festival also served as a platform for artists, young entrepreneurs, and local vendors to showcase their talents and businesses Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: The event aimed to bring the community together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in sharing the culture and heritage of the East African community living in Rochester MN. It empowered youth, promoted gender equality, and boosted local businesses.  Target Audience: Somali community members, the broader Rochester community, and local businesses.  Future Plans: Double the number of participants from last year, increase the event space, and add community resource tables. Plan for future events to continue fostering community unity and cultural celebration. Post-event Feedback: “I learned the power of bringing the community together and celebrating each other's cultural and diversity. We were an entire community of Rochester who came together to celebrate each other.” “The idea was a success, due to the large number of people that attended. We estimated for around 300 people but in return we had over 600+ people attending, both from the immigrant community in Rochester and the mainstream community.” Page 17 of 17 Walk Around the World Lead Organization: Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA) Funding Amount: $3,000 Event Date(s): July 1, 2024 Description: Walk Around the World, hosted in collaboration with History Center of Olmsted County, celebrated refugees and immigrants and promoted cultural awareness and social and community development. The event featured multicultural dance performances, activities at various booths, ethnic food vendors and products, storytelling, and community service providers. Impact & Goals:  Primary Impact: Increased awareness about the cultures and experiences of refugees and immigrants in Rochester, promoted inclusivity, and provided a space for cultural exchange and learning.  Target Audience: Refugee and immigrant communities, the broader Rochester community, and local businesses and vendors.  Future Plans: Continue organizing the event annually with the support of sponsorships and grants. Implement new elements to enhance cultural celebration and community engagement. Post-event Feedback: “Despite postponing the event to the rain date of 6/23, we still had a successful turnout. An estimated 500 attendees came out.” “Walk Around the World has existed for several years to recognize World Refugee Day and honor and recognize refugee and immigrant cultures. The event was successful in bringing together different cultures in the community through dance, food, music, and vendors. This year, IMAA partnered with History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC) for the first time, and the new location and partnership was a success.”