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- A resource database and this website: A request from the delivery organizations was for tools that would streamline the process of building community review reports and allow them to more quickly get them back to the community. Compiling hundreds of resources in the form of national and regional websites, grant programs, action guides, reports and the like into one searchable database will save time and add to the range of resources that can be added to community review reports. The database, as are all the resources available through this website, is free and available to everyone.
- Coming Soon! DIY community and economic development resources: In addition to free use of the database, community leaders and practitioners can benefit from the free and open source tools we will be compiling, such as a DIY community profile template with instructions for easily populating it with data about population, the local economy and other important trends like educational attainment and home ownership. Creation of a “Community Readiness Self-Assessment” (CRSA) is underway as well. This will allow communities to assess where they are in terms of the capacity to effectively implement change in their communities. Along with the CRSA will be resources for addressing areas of observable weaknesses in leadership systems, civic engagement and other factors that contribute to successful, thriving communities. See https://heartlandcenter.info/what-we-do/clues-to-rural-community-survival/ for related information.
- Mini-grants: Participating communities in this project, those completing the entire community review process or alumni communities who do ripple effects mapping, are eligible to apply for and receive a small grant for a community project. The range of grant amounts is $500 - $1500, with highest amounts allotted to projects that engage the local population (e.g., little free libraries, community clean-up, a festival, etc.), and/or are projects identified through the community review process.
- Best Practices Guide for Community Assessments: As the three-year project concludes, we will have produced a guide based on what we have learned. This will be a step-by-step guide, including templates, facilitator guides, other tools, and guidance for adapting procedures to fit the unique circumstances of communities.
