Block Associations
15 articles
Coalition-Building: When Two Block Associations Should Merge
You've built a strong block association, and your neighbors are engaged. But what if the next street over has a similar group, and you're both tackling the same issues? Sometimes, mergi…
Participatory Budgeting: How Your Block Can Claim a Slice
Have you ever wished your neighborhood had a say in how local public funds are spent? That's exactly what participatory budgeting (PB) aims to do. It’s a process where residents directl…
Writing a One-Page Block Association Pitch That Wins City Funding
Getting direct city funding for your block association can feel like pulling teeth. Most city programs are designed for larger nonprofits or government agencies. But with a well-crafted…
Mapping Hyperlocal Grants Most Block Captains Miss
When you're leading a block association, the term \"grant funding\" often conjures images of large, complex applications for city-wide initiatives. However, a significant amount of fundin…
How to Form a Block Association That Gets Funded First
Forming a block association is a powerful first step toward community improvement, but securing funding can be a significant hurdle. This guide cuts through the noise and provides actio…
Fiscal Sponsorship vs 501(c)(3): Which Is Faster for a New Block Group?
You've energized your neighbors and formed a block association. Now you want to raise money for projects – maybe a community garden, block party, or security cameras. The question is, h…
Council Discretionary Funds — A Block Captain's Field Guide
So, your block association needs funding for that community garden, a new playground, or even just some better streetlights. You've heard whispers about \"council discretionary funds\"—mo…
How to Recruit a Treasurer Who Will Actually Show Up
Finding a committed treasurer for your block association can feel like searching for a unicorn. It's a critical role – managing funds, tracking expenses, and keeping your group financia…
Running a Block Meeting That Doesn't Lose Half Its Attendees
Anyone who has ever tried to organize a community event knows the struggle: you get a dozen people energized, ready to make a difference, only to see half of them trickle out before the…
Insurance, Permits, and Liability: The Block Association Survival Kit
Running a block association, even informally, means dealing with risk. Whether it's organizing a block party, cleaning up a vacant lot, or setting up a community garden, you’re exposing…
Building a Block Census in a Weekend
A robust block association needs to know its community. Knowing your block means understanding who lives there, what their needs are, and what resources already exist. This isn't about …
How to Open a Bank Account for Your Block Association in 30 Days
You've organized your block, you've got a common cause, and maybe even a few dollars in pledges. But handling community funds out of someone's personal checking account is a fast track …
The Block Association Annual Calendar: What to File and When
Ever wondered what your block association should be doing throughout the year to stay compliant and effective? It's not just about planning the next block party. There are concrete step…
The 7 Documents Every Block Association Needs Before Asking for Money
It's exciting to get your block association off the ground, but before you start knocking on doors or applying for grants, there are some essential documents you need to have in order. …
Annual Reporting That Keeps Your Funding Pipeline Open
Securing grants and government funding is a big win for your block association. But keeping that pipeline open means proving you're using those funds effectively and responsibly. Annual…