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Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
After years of targeting specific areas of our community, the Stark County Neighborhood Partnership Program has now expanded to serve neighborhood associations located anywhere in Stark County.
The program is a collaborative initiative between Stark Community Foundation and Community Building Partnership that launched in 2021 to strengthen and support neighborhood leadership across Stark County. Building on decades of investment in grassroots engagement and community pride, this program blends Stark Community Foundation’s longstanding commitment to neighborhood ambassadorship with Community Building Partnership’s proven Healthy Neighborhoods approach.
The program equips neighborhood leaders, elevates resident voices and sparks meaningful revitalization— all with the goal of making Stark County neighborhoods smarter, safer and more vibrant places to live. When someone registers a neighborhood association with the program, they receive a monthly invitation to its neighborhood summits and access to resources, trainings and grant funding.
“We are excited that the SCNPP is now open to the entire county, allowing us to support even more neighborhoods and residents,” said Samantha Walters-Lewis, Community Building Partnership’s Healthy Neighborhoods program manager. “We are proud to serve as a resource for people interested in starting a neighborhood association or strengthening an existing one, because strong neighborhoods begin with connected and engaged residents.”
Any Stark County resident can partner with the program to establish a neighborhood association in five easy steps:
1. Determine neighborhood association boundaries: Decide which part of the community your neighborhood association will represent, and define the area.
2. Spread the word: Talk to your neighbors about mutual goals you can accomplish together — involving more people will add more ideas and energy. Using social media is encouraged to help spread information
3. Plan first meeting: Find a nearby meeting space that is accessible to all and decide on a convenient time to maximize attendance. The program provides one free postcard mailing for new neighborhood associations to invite nearby residents
4. Plan future meetings: Decide on a regular meeting place, day and time. Keep meetings organized by taking attendance, creating an agenda and recording notes on what occurred at each meeting.
5. Plan a neighborhood project: Find a small project that can be discussed and planned during your neighborhood association meetings. Completing projects as a group will strengthen bonds among members.
To learn more and begin the process, visit www.cbpstark.org or email samantha@cbpstark.org.