Philadelphia has opened the 2024 grant application process for the Kensington Community Resilience Fund (KCR Fund), a participatory funding partnership among community members, the city, and local foundations, to address the negative impact of opioid crises and overdoses in the neighborhoods of Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill.
In its fourth grant round, the KCR Fund will award general operating grants ranging from $360,000 to $10,000. By the end of this cycle, $1.12 million in funding will have been awarded since its launch in 2021.
Residents and community leaders are at the forefront of the work, from setting funding priorities and eligibility criteria to selecting which organizations will receive grants. Roxy Rivera, a Kensington resident involved with the KCR Fund since its inception, stated, “The KCR Fund gives me hope and makes me feel about my community differently than years ago. This is a space where residents can say what they want and need. It’s a wonderful grant program, and we are honored to have it in our community,” Rivera expressed in a statement.
Beneficiaries are also invited to free workshops and community events. Brenda Mosley, founder of By Faith, Health, and Healing, a two-time beneficiary and fund participant, expressed her excitement and privilege to be part of this work. “I am grateful to be part of something that brings joy, hope, and healing to the organizations working on the ground and making things happen.”
Until Wednesday, March 20th
Applicant organizations must focus on at least one of the following thematic areas identified as top priorities for community quality of life:
– Beautification and blight removal
– Building resilience, promoting wellness, and addressing community trauma
– Connecting residents with resources
– Public safety
– Workforce development and training
– Youth development
Additionally, the grant is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups physically located within the geographical boundaries of the KCR Fund. Eligible organizations can apply for a grant from the KCR Fund through the Scattergood Foundation website at www.scattergoodfoundation.org/ until Wednesday, March 20th, at 5:00 pm.
Lee también:Philadelphia abre el proceso de solicitud de subvenciones para el KCR Fund
A national agreement spanning 18 years
As part of a national agreement, Philadelphia will receive approximately 200 million dollars over 18 years. Consequently, the city has been investing the initial payments into a series of strategies in response to the opioid crisis, including programs and efforts addressing both individual and community impacts.
In addition to the funds from the agreement, the KCR Fund receives financial support from the Scattergood Foundation, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and the Nelson Foundation.
The Scattergood Foundation collaborates with the city to manage the community-driven funding model and provides capacity-building support to smaller grassroots organizations directly addressing local needs.