The Funders’ Network exists to inspire, strengthen and expand funding and philanthropic leadership that yield environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically prosperous regions and communities.
This report documents ways foundations can support better planning and decision making to improve communities and regions. It includes 21 case studies designed to inspire and inform new efforts to advance social, environmental, and economic justice in neighborhoods and regions across North America.
Special Report
19 Pages
2004
Eric Siy of the Global Innovations Group, describes how mounting threats to quality of life—pollution, crowding, traffic, economic decay, and sprawl—link smart growth and sustainability advocates across continents. In search of solutions, this paper looks detailed case studies of the promising work done by the European Union (EU) and four of its member states.
Examples From The Field
16 Pages
2003
Writer Rachel Peterson and researcher William Eisenstein explore the concept of ecologically healthy cities. Far more than adorning with trees and plants, it is the density of cities that has become essential to nature's survival. Although many leading environmental groups can certainly be found under the smart growth tent, in local land use debates it is often environmentalists who balk in their support. This paper serves to help bridge the gap between environmentalism and smart growth.
Translation Paper
20 Pages
2003
Writer Tony Proscio describes why the community development and smart growth movements have tended to diverge, and how they might come together around a more effective, common vision. He gives examples of community development projects that have taken shape in explicitly “smart” deliberations with regional authorities and planners.
Translation Paper
16 Pages
2001
Deborah Howe of Portland State University posits that the sprawling, automobile-dominated landscape prevalent throughout the U.S. seriously limits the continued mobility and independence of older people. She advocates transforming our communities so that they are aging-sensitive, making it possible for people to maintain their health and independence even as needs change.
Writing for Smart Growth America, John Bailey and Cheryl Little first explain the connection between reclaiming vacant properties and smart growth, then look at the "hidden costs" of vacant properties and some of the obstacles that prevent reclamation. They also note successful innovations across the country and suggest how grantmakers from different disciplines can ensure that vacant properties are central to the smart growth agenda.
Special Report
44 Pages
2003
Authors John Parr and Nick Bollman identify the characteristics associated with "metropolitan regional grantmaking." The monograph includes 17 case studies of foundations that reflect these characteristics in varying ways.
Examples From The Field
5 Pages
2003
Featured are approaches from two Louisiana community foundations. The Greater New Orleans Foundation promotes regional smart growth and economic development by its participation in the MetroVision Partnership's Top 10 By 2010 project. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation has taken a “demonstration project” approach to smart growth, focusing on a major downtown revitalization effort known as Plan Baton Rouge.
Translation Paper
16 Pages
2002
David Goldberg of Smart Growth America explains how the efforts of funders to lift up disadvantaged children, youth, and families have been subverted by sprawling development patterns. Evidence is mounting that sprawl is also taking a toll on middle class children and families. The author contends that the smart growth movement offers a rare opportunity to unite the interests of both.
Examples From The Field
4 Pages
2001
The Knight Foundation awarded three organizations working in the Overtown area of Miami over $8.5 million to address economic development, housing, cultural institutions, organizational capacity building, design, transportation, infrastructure, recreation, and open space issues.
