EARLY ACTIONWhile we PLAN we also DO

What is Early Action?• Early wins• Small projects or activities that demonstrate something is

changing• Usually small grants provided to get projects off the

ground• Can be funded through fundraising efforts or grants from

local philanthropy• Must be a project that rises from the conversation/process

Why do Early Action?• Some people like to plan and think abstractly• Some people think planning is just talking about

something and that something needs to be DONE• Some people will engage in planning only if they see

something is being DONE• Visible results encourage further engagement and buy-in

Early Action, Continuing Action• Early Action programs can be used as Continuing Action

Programs after the plan is complete to continue to seed small efforts toward implementation

• New round could be announced at rollout celebration

Early Action Program Design• Establish goals for the program• Determine the guidelines/rules• Determine any required match• Establish a process• Develop an application• Solicit applications• Make awards• Reporting/storytelling/photos

46807• Establish goals for the program

• To involve a diverse representation of residents fro the targeted area

• To build collaboration among residents, organizations, and businesses in the targeted area

• To continue the community impact and involvement that has started through the creation of the Quality of Life Plan

• Determine the guidelines/rules• Maximum of $750• Engage and bring together residents and stakeholders• Collaboration• 50% cash or in-kind match

46807• Establish a process

• Share ideas with neighborhood groups/collaborators for feedback• Complete the application• Meeting, phone calls, or correspondence may be required• Decision• Grant agreement• Completion deadline• Report deadline

46807Fort Wayne, IN

46807 Early Action Grants

• Home Maintenance Group: $319• Resource Guide for

homeowners

• PAPA Neighborhood Association $750• Concert in the park• National Night Out

gathering• Art gallery grand

opening

46807 Early Action Grants

• Historic Oakdale Neighborhood Association $750• Historic home tour of 10

homes

• COP a Story $400• Character, Object, and

Place• Storytelling event

• Story Writers Jam $350• HS event

SOUTH CENTRAL ELKHARTElkhart, IN

South Central Elkhart

• Hawthorne Elementary Gardening

• Southdale Bridgebuilders – Stiver Park Development

• Spanish-Speaking Classes – conversational English and Spanish

JACOBSVILLEEvansville, IN

Jacobsville. Join In.

• JACC – North Main Christmas Parade banners: $1,000

• Community One – home rehab: $500

• Neighborhood clean up: $713

• Lucas Place – Art show: $250

• One Life West – block party: $313

Jacobsville. Join In.

• Throw Your Worries Away – flower planting: $757

• Deaconess Family Medicine – Mom’s Group: $325

• JACC – Good neighbor recognition: $463