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Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment

Programs and services alone are not enough. Health, safety and wellbeing are culturally created…not professionally prescribed.

A photo portrait of Isaac Coleman

Isaac Coleman

People and neighborhoods are impacted by race, poverty and trauma. These factors create barriers to economic success for adults and even impact the health of newborn babies. From early on, these cumulative pressures impact children, hampering the development of the necessary social, emotional, educational, and work skills to achieve self-sufficiency. As a community we cannot leave this talent behind. We need every child in our community to realize their potential and contribute to our community.

Based on recent data, we know our current efforts have not decreased disparities in health, education and economic opportunity. This requires us to think differently and employ different strategies.

What we have learned is that health, safety and wellbeing are culturally created rather than professionally prescribed. If we want to improve the economic opportunity, health and safety of communities then we must engage with communities in ways that allow them to lead. We also know that focusing on individuals alone will not address the pervasive effects of race, poverty and trauma. Three factors that determine the environmental conditions within communities are: equitable economic and educational opportunity, people, and place. By focusing on these factors and harnessing the talents of community members, together we can build a more robust workforce and more resilient neighborhoods.

Improving Equitable Opportunity
  • Pipelines to jobs
  • Apprenticeships
  • Self-sustaining businesses
Connecting People
  • Rebuilding trust
  • Fostering a sense of "we"
  • Building a can do sense that neighbors can work together to get things done
  • Supporting emerging leaders
Ensuring Positive Place
  • Healthy public spaces that encourage gathering
  • Gardens and walking trails
  • Cultural identity that brings people together

Overview

About the Isaac Coleman Plan & Review Group

Our goal with this investment is to rebuild the health, safety, and self-sufficiency in our communities.

Named for social justice champion Isaac Coleman, the Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment plan calls for targeted investments in our communities that are currently working to champion equitable opportunity.

These investments are part of a broader approach, which includes continued partnerships with nonprofit and faith-based organizations, mini-grants to augment emerging and innovative community efforts, support for small businesses, and investments in education and the economy. This mix of formal and informal approaches is intended to strengthen community infrastructure so that meaningful and sustainable change can take root.

Isaac Coleman Grant Review Group

  • Al Whitesides - Commissioner
  • Antanette Mosley
  • Dr. Tiece Ruffin
  • Drew Reisinger
  • Frank Castelblanco
  • Gene Bell

Grants Announcements

Community Innovation/Grant Announcements & Information

Notice: FY2021 application process is now open and applications are due March 6, 2020.
Refer to the FY2021 Grant Guidelines document for full details, including: eligibility; timeline; application process; awards; and more.

Application Process

Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment funding is available for three years and is subject to Buncombe County’s annual budget approval. Awards available range from $50,000 to $150,000.

Isaac Coleman grants are supported by the Community Engagement Team within the Strategic Partnerships Department. Community engagement is a way of partnering that cultivates trust, authenticity and inclusion in support of community outcomes. We aim to cultivate a strong learning collaborative, build relationships across efforts and share learning and resources where appropriate.

Funded Projects Dashboard

Grant Recipients

Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement - ABIPA

FY2020 — $42,260
"ABIPA wants to develop a worker-owned co-op to address the social determinants of health, specifically around education and economics. . ."

Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement - ABIPA
Deaverview: Residents, Schools, and Community in Partnership

FY2020 — $35,031
"Deaverview: Residents, Schools, and Community in Partnership is striving for increased parent engagement, trust and relationship building between teachers and parents. . ."

Deaverview: Residents, Schools, and Community in Partnership
Emma Community Ownership/PODER Emma and Nuestro Centro

FY2020 — $56,229
"Emma Community Ownership/PODER Emma and Nuestro Centro is a pipeline for dignified housing, meaningful education, sustainable employment, economic equity. . ."

Emma Community Ownership/PODER Emma and Nuestro Centro
My Community Matters Empowerment Program Collaboration

FY2020 — $91,619
"My Community Matters Empowerment Program Collaboration aims to empower and educate youth of color who are experiencing poverty. . ."

My Community Matters Empowerment Program Collaboration
Pearson Project

FY2020 — $98,359
"The Perason Project strives to establish greenspaces and maintain neighborhood historical culture, economic development and business development. . ."

Pearson Project
YTL — Youth Transformed for Life

FY2020 — $88,523
"YTL aspires to increase educational access for youth, support parents and families. . ."

YTL — Youth Transformed for Life

Locate & Contact

Isaac Coleman Economic Community Investment

Contact

Rebecca Brothers
Community Engagement
199 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801
P. (828) 250-4103

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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