Minnesota among 11 National Neighborhood Promise grant awardees throughout the country
[KSTP]
On Monday, the Republic Services Charitable Foundation announced 11 National Promise grants for 2021, which includes Minnesota, as a part of their mission to help fund neighborhood revitalization projects across the country in communities where Republic Services customers and employees work.
Republic Services says the majority of this year’s projects support historically Black neighborhoods that have experienced disinvestment, while many of them also addressing food insecurity and sustainability networks.
"After a year of unprecedented challenges, our diverse neighborhoods need support more than ever, and we’re proud of our continued commitment to creating spaces where people can thrive," said Donald W. Slager, chief executive officer. "For three years, the Republic Services Charitable Foundation has partnered with proven local organizations to strengthen communities in need by providing support designed to build and support neighborhood revitalization."
The Republic Services Charitable Foundation launched the National Neighborhood Promise program in 2018, partnering with select nonprofits to fund neighborhood revitalization efforts. The Foundation provides these projects with grants, donated products and services, and volunteer opportunities for Republic employees. According to a release, since 2018, the Foundation has funded close to 60 National Neighborhood Promise projects.
Over $2.5M in grants awarded to help rebuild Twin Cities, small businesses
Minnesota’s Rebuilding Together Twin Cities was one of the 11 organizations to receive grants for this year. The other recipients, awarded with grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, goes as follows:
- California: Rebuilding Together Peninsula,
- California: Rebuilding Together Sacramento,
- Delaware: Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County,
- Georgia: Rebuilding Together Atlanta,
- Kansas: Community Housing of Wyandotte County,
- Nevada: Rebuilding Together of Southern Nevada,
- Ohio: Habitat for Humanity of East Central Ohio,
- Oregon: Rebuilding Together Portland,
- Pennsylvania: Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh,
- South Carolina: Habitat for Humanity of York County.
Funded projects include an expansion of a local food bank, build out of an incubator for minority-owned small businesses; renovation of community and learning centers; and creation and revitalization of parks, trails and gardens. The 2021 projects also mark the Foundation’s first charitable efforts in Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Wilmington.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Republic Services to bring about change and revitalization to Atlanta’s historic southwest neighborhoods. Block by block, park by park, Rebuilding Together Atlanta and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation are creating and revitalizing neighborhoods for our neighbors to play, work and live,” said Mike Orum, executive director of Rebuilding Together Atlanta. “We look forward to our continued work with Republic Services leadership and the staff to make a difference in the lives of our Atlanta neighbors living in NPU-H and in providing a revitalized Nature Preserve that all can enjoy.“
The National Neighborhood Promise projects support Republic’s long-term sustainability goal to positively impact 20 million people through charitable giving by 2030, according to a release.
Kathryn Greiner, executive director at Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, said the organization is "thrilled" to receive the grant. She adds they are hoping to get volunteers more in the mix of things this summer, but it all depends on safety with the pandemic still ongoing.
"This grant will be used for a community project in partnership with the Rondo Park Association, and it’s been an ongoing project for about one to two years now," she told KSTP.
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