• There are various community-driven projects that could use relatively small amounts of money to execute from community art projects to neighborhood food days and farmers markets.
• Many individuals in Oakland reported that they have ideas for improving their community but there are limited venues for them to take action.
• These would have a big impact on community building efforts and could lead to larger programs and projects once the ideas are tested.
• These funds will need to be transparently set aside and any and all projects must be set through a community-based process including neighborhood stakeholders, particularly resident organizations.

• Program should identify micro-level community-led projects that support innovative, inclusive, resident-serving urban experiences.
• Set parameters for the program that make it clear what projects are consistent with the goals of the plan and ensure that there is direct community input and oversight for the design process.
• Establish tiered structure with lower requirements for smaller grant requests to maximize accessibility.
• Ensure that these funds and the grant program are connected to related programs from institutions such as living lab programs and community arts funding.
• Identify a variety of funding sources. Could include the Community Reinvestment Fund and OnePGH fund.
• Define community-driven process and scope(s) of projects.
• Potentially utilize Oakland Task Force (OTF) or another committee to make decisions about the spending of grant dollars from this fund.
• Funding opportunities should ensure that they aren’t inadvertently duplicating other sources of funding that are available in Oakland and available to all potential applicants. Existing programs that may have the same focus, but are not transparently and openly allocated would not be considered a duplication of the intent of this funding program.

When to start: 3-5 years

Duration: Ongoing

Estimated costs: $ (out of $$$$)

Project lead(s): OPDC, OTF

Project partner(s): Equitable Development Committee, institutions, neighborhood association

Potential funding source(s): Community Reinvestment Fund, institutions, foundations