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How philanthropy breathed new life into a forgotten Salford suburb

Helen Pidd

July 04, 2018 |

The Guardian |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Salford

A multi-millionaire has poured money into his home suburb of Irlam, buying up empty stores, funding public art projects, and supporting the town center, sports center, health clinic, and train station. Employment is up, but this model of urban renewal raises ethical questions and may not be easily replicable.

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Federal Tax Credits and Local Dollars Keeping Akron Downtown Lively

Sandra Larson

June 26, 2018 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Akron, Ohio

The Akron Community Revitalization Fund has already invested in the development of downtown Akron, a city once known for rubber manufacturing but now working to redefine itself. The revolving loan fund is comprised of funding from grant-making organizations, banks, and a New Markets Tax Credit. It aims to jumpstart more private investment into the city, including Northside Marketplace, a new hotel, and office space.

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Renters Get One Step Closer to Homeownership With This Innovative Program

Shaima Shamdeen

June 26, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Cincinnati, Ohio

Renting Partnerships organizes affordable housing communities that stay affordable. By meeting the expectations of the community, such as paying rent on time, residents can earn and cash out financial equity after staying in their home for five years. The program uses creative financing in the hopes of making housing more equitable.

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Moving Community Foundation Dollars from Wall Street to Main Street

Oscar Perry Abello

June 25, 2018 |

Next City |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Fresno, California

Community foundations have a new way to invest their funds: they can opt to invest in community projects, such as credit unions, as opposed to more traditional financial investments. The Self-Help Federal Credit Union has benefitted from this shift. A $2.6 million investment from Central Valley Community Foundation has helped the credit union provide over 1000 loans to predominately low-income families in the region.

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After Centuries of Housing Racism, a Southern City Gets Innovative

Adam Lynch

June 15, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

In Jackson, Mississippi, a series of community-led cooperatives are creating opportunities for affordable home ownership. This is part of a trend across the country to create community land trusts. They are financed through donations, other community businesses, or commissions. Though each land trust faces hurdles, they are collectively allowing more access to wealth and ownership in historically low-income neighborhoods.

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A look at how Ohio's land banks are battling blight

Tracy Geibel

June 15, 2018 |

Richland Source |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Ohio has more than 50 land banks, which are best known for reducing blight by demolishing old buildings, but several land banks are trying creative ways to enhance their land on a budget. Successful projects include a program for locals to redevelop old lots, a pop-up art gallery in a condemned house, and urban forests to make communities more welcoming. The collective effect of these projects is to revitalize cities all across the state.

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This Philly housing project helps residents double their income

Michaela Winberg

June 12, 2018 |

Billy Penn |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

By offering flexible rent, a Philadelphia nonprofit allows low-income residents to attain economic success. Financed through an initial endowment, the Women’s Community Revitalization Projected is sustained by support from independent donations and Philadelphia’s low-income housing tax credits. In addition to offering affordable housing and residents’ services to Philadelphia’s low-income women and families, the WCRP also operates a community land trust to help address future development concerns in the city.

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Tiny Houses Alone Can't Solve the Housing Crisis. But Here's What Can

Chris Winters

May 08, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Buying a house with 8 other people, tiny houses, forming a homeowners association to buy land, and community land trust’s are all different options people are taking to find alternate forms of housing that are affordable. “They’ve defined a new American Dream. They hope others will follow their model, if not by making the same choice, then by being willing to look beyond traditional boundaries.”

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Basic Income Is Already Transforming Life and Work in a Postindustrial Canadian City

Jordan Pearson

April 23, 2018 |

Motherboard |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Hamilton, Ontario

A pilot program in Hamilton, Ontario tests the viability of a universal basic income. While bureaucratic red tape and critics from both political sides limit the enrollment in the program, citizens partaking in the pilot note that support in the form of cash keep them healthy and able to avoid living in poverty.

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Capitalism for Good: Kensington Avenue Storefront Challenge

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

April 10, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shift Capital, a mission-driven real estate group in Philadelphia, tried a new tactic to bring business back to an old neighborhood. The Kensington Avenue Storefront Challenge asked businesses to apply for open storefront space as well as funding, and nine winners were selected based on financial viability and ability to impact the community. This form of development aims to fight gentrification in an inclusive way.

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