The Foundation will commit up to $100,000 over two (2) years to each of the selected cities or towns. Foundation funding is to support the community’s use of innovative methods and tools that help increase citizen participation, identify and articulate community values, and implement values-based decision-making and action. Funds are to be used for direct project expenses such as staffing, consultants, supplies, events and implementation activities. Foundation funds may not be used for overhead expenses, indirect costs or capital improvements.
Project towns are required to provide at minimum a 1:1 match to Orton Family Foundation funds through a combination of cash contributions (a $25,000 minimum including grants, existing budgets, donations, etc.) and in-kind resources over the life of the project. In-kind contributions may include donated services, materials and supplies; equipment; use of facilities; and professional staff time. This match must be identified as part of the proposed project budget.
Recognizing that the Heart & Soul process will take longer than two years to produce lasting results, if the Foundation and Project Partner goals have been met after the second year of the project, the community will be eligible to apply for additional matching funding of up to $25,000 to continue implementing actions.
In addition to funding, Foundation staff will be active advisors to the selected towns. Staff has expertise in community planning, citizen engagement, planning tools application, project evaluation and communications. Though the Foundation will not be involved in day-to-day project implementation, staff members will provide active support by assisting with project design, the selection and application of community engagement tools, and the application of community engagement results to decision-making and strategic planning.
The Foundation will offer two-day training workshops required of the Project Towns during the beginning, middle and end of the projects. The cost of these trainings will be borne by the Foundation but require the participation of community teams that include the Project Coordinator, a Community Advisory Team member and a local official.
Winter 2012: Project Launch
Training to include: Project design and management; project communications; public engagement; storytelling and facilitated dialogue; identifying community values and issues; using new technologies; facilitation skills; project evaluation.
Fall 2012: From Values and Vision to Action
Training to include: Visualization and scenario development; decision-making and consensus building; public education; communication and outreach; implementing your vision.
Spring 2013: Stewarding Your Community Heart & Soul
Training to include: Implementing your vision; monitoring progress and measuring outcomes; sustaining public participation; developing new leadership; keeping planning documents alive; leveraging new partners and resources.
The Foundation has developed evaluation tools to measure the effectiveness of Heart & Soul Community Planning projects. The tools include community surveys, focus groups and stakeholder interviews. The Foundation applies these tools at three stages: project start, project completion and two years following project completion. Project partners are required to assist with and participate in evaluation.