$3M in CommunityWINS Grants Available for 2017

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Wells Fargo announced a call for nominations for the 2017 CommunityWINS grants program, aimed at accelerating neighborhood revitalization, economic development and local job creation in Washington D.C. at the 85th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Washington, D.C.

Launched in 2015, CommunityWINS grants provide $3 million over three years.

USCM administers the grants program and it is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation. For 2017, cities can name up to three non-profits in their applications, according to Mary Mack, senior executive vice president of community banking, speaking at the USCM opening session. Applications are due March 17th.

CommunityWINS grants leverage the work of nonprofit and city partnerships in their pursuits to address critical community needs.

The 2016 grant recipients were:

• Portland, Ore. and Mayor Charlie Hales with a $300,000 grant for The Homeless “Build a Home” initiative. The initiative establishes a carpentry training program in which homeless men in recovery from addiction learn to design and build “tiny homes.”
• Newton, Mass., and Mayor Setti Warren with a $150,000 grant for the creation of the Newton Innovation Center. The space supports the growth of small businesses and non-profits. It’s also designed to give high school students access to internships and resources.
• Huntington, W. Va., and Mayor Steve Williams with a $150,000 grant for the West Edge Factory Solar Training Institute in a distressed neighborhood of the city. The institute will train dislocated coal- and other workers in solar-roof installations.
• Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayor Lenny Curry with a $75,000 grant to Family Foundations.
• Chattanooga, Tenn., and Mayor Andy Berke with a $50,000 grant for the TechTown Foundation.
• Kinston, N.C., and Mayor BJ Murphy with a $50,000 grant for Kinston Teens, Inc.