Community Heart & Soul Planning, Technical Assistance, and Seed Grant Program

info@communityheartandsoul.org
802.495.0864

Community Heart & Soul is a community development process that engages residents in identifying what they love about their community, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Activities and objectives are determined by communities, and projects have included volunteerism, leadership, business development, healthcare access, social programs, transportation, broadband, and emergency preparedness, among others. The Community Heart & Soul organization is offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns interested in implementing the Heart & Soul model.

The Heart & Soul program involves a 4 phase, step-by-step process that brings residents together to identify and honor the unique character of their town and the connections of the people who live there.

• Phase 1 – Imagine: Heart & Soul teams are formed to build awareness, interest, and commitment in all segments of the community
• Phase 2 – Connect: Stories are gathered from residents, leading to the development of Heart & Soul Statements that identify what matters most and reflect what participants love about their towns
• Phase 3 – Plan: Residents develop action plans to guide future town planning based on their Heart & Soul Statements
• Phase 4 – Act: Heart & Soul Statements are officially adopted by town and city councils, incorporated into comprehensive and other plans, and are used to guide future policies and decisions.

Program overview

The program is designed for small cities and towns with populations under 30,000.

Communities that are just beginning the process may apply for $10,000 Seed Grants.

Communities work with Certified Heart & Soul Coaches throughout the process.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application portal are available on the program website.