The Gap
Despite the fact that roughly 100 organizations have already benefitted from the Neighborhood Beautification Program and related microgrants, there's still more outreach to be done.
With over 700 block clubs and neighborhood associations that serve the entirety of Detroit, it is clear that potentially eligible organizations have not yet been able to realize their ideas through local government funding.
Additionally, we've found that certain districts - particularly those on the Westside - are underrepresented amongst grant awardees.
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The Campaign
With the aim of closing this gap, #Beautiful313 runs a social media campaign that strives to align enterprising neighborhoods in Detroit with city-led grants and financial services which could bring to life the vision of their local environment for the future.
Using community-sourced submissions, #Beautiful313 aims to gather input from all residents—whether youths, working adults, seniors, individuals, or families—on what would make Detroit a more sustainable city. Our campaign seeks to connect locals to community development organizations, block clubs, non-profits, and religious associations, showcasing their joint funding proposals on our various platforms.
With a specific focus on themes of neighborhood sustainability and beautification, our goal is to foster support and raise awareness amongst associations that can benefit from the newly established Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety, and from Mayor Mary Sheffield’s commitment to add a $1 Million grant to the Neighborhood Beautification Grant Program.
As our campaign grows, we hope to build a digital infrastructure that can be used by neighborhood groups to be notified about upcoming awards; learn from past grant recipients; and connect with city officials. #Beautiful313 can be used as a communication tool that bridges community investment to the limitless imagination of Detroit residents.
