The Northwest Fund applies a broad and holistic approach to community building and safety, prioritizing activities that prevent violence as well as those that help to eradicate existing criminal activities. TNF believes employment and education are two core pillars of a healthy community, and when there is a dearth of these in a neighborhood, crime and violence are nearly always present.
The Northwest Fund seeks to realize its mission through partnerships with community organizations that currently serve Northwest Philadelphia. We currently have two programs in place, both of which are supported with funding from the US Department of Justice.CHANGE AGENT AWARD
TNF is grateful to have received a congressional
appropriation from the US Department of Justice, on behalf of Congressman Chaka
Fattah, allowing TNF to extend approximately $300,000 in grants to community
organizations involved in activities related to community building and safety.
In late 2010, The Northwest Fund released an RFP soliciting proposals from
community-based organizations with programs that improve quality of life and
reduce/prevent crime in our target areas (Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Germantown,
Olney, Nicetown, East Falls, Roxborough, and Oak Lane).
Funding supports one or more of the following categories:
Staying In School:
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
o Programs serving at-risk youth, helping them to achieve in school and become prepared for college and career success
o In-school, after-school and/or summer programs
o Programs serving drop-outs, helping them to get back in school or complete an alternative secondary program of study, such as GED
o Programs for older youth, leading to post-secondary opportunities
At Work: Employment/Self-sufficiency:EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
o Programs helping individuals to become self-sufficient and economically independent
o Specific job training/employment programs for youth and teens
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
o Community-building programs that actively result in safer neighborhoods and prevent neighborhood violence
o Programs that support community leadership and neighborhood organizing
o Programs that help people to stay in their homes or reduce housing vacancies
TRAININGS IN RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Many of our grantees attended training this summer called: Introduction to Restorative Practices Training, which is designed to thoroughly understand restorative concepts and learn effective strategies for managing student/client behavior and teaching students/clients to take responsibility for their actions.
In addition, several leaders from grantee organizations will be attending a train-the-trainer training in Bethlehem this fall. Afterward, TNF will be able to offer additional trainings on various aspects of restorative practices to grantees and the community free of charge. Please stay tuned for training announcements!