* To encourage groups of people within a neighborhood to identify and work on important issues relative to their neighborhood concerns.

* To provide resources for community projects to build the capacity of neighbor- hood organizations.

* To leverage grass roots volunteer involvement and additional community resources.

* To provide lasting community improvements for neighborhood residents by making Canton neighborhoods better places to live, work, play and raise families.

* To provide an opportunity for neighbors to celebrate, and share their neighborhood revitalization success.

During the past twelve years the NPGP Program has distributed over $1,200,000 to Neighborhood Organizations in Canton City.  Stark Community Foundation has established NPGP programs in Alliance and Massillon.

Neighborhood leaders participate in a Neighborhood Leadership Council at Stark Community Foundation on the second Monday evening of every month. This council is a continuing educational tool and sharing experience for neighborhood leaders. Neighborhood leaders build relationships with one another and neighborhood organizations work together on various civic projects for the safety and well being of all city residents.

Charitable grants are available from $500 - $7,000 for qualifying neighborhood organizations. If your neighborhood organization is interested in applying for a grant from this initiative, please read the grant guidelines and eligibility attached to the application. Choose the application that best applies to your group.

To qualify for a Neighborhood Partnership Grant you must be a participant of the Neighborhood Leadership Council and have attended the December 11, 2009 Grant Application Workshop. Notification of the workshop was sent to all neighborhood association presidents.

If you want to participate in the Neighborhood Leadership Council but currently are not a member, call Marilyn Thomas Jones 330-454-3426.