Neighborhood Yes Fund (The Yes Fund)

Neighborhood Yes Fund

Also Known As: The Yes Fund

Funder: Bartram's Garden and Mural Arts Philadelphia, with support from ArtPlace (national art foundation)

Geographic Scope: South Kingsessing/North Elmwood neighborhood surrounding Bartram's Garden, Southwest Philadelphia, PA

Focus Areas:

• Creative expression and artistic projects
• Connection to nature
• Community well-being
• Youth engagement
• Community organizing and activism
• Arts and culture

Program Description:
The Neighborhood Yes Fund celebrates the creative talents of Southwest Philadelphia neighbors and provides mini-grants in support of community-led initiatives. A community advisory board from the South Kingsessing/North Elmwood neighborhood guides all funding decisions, ensuring community voice in grantmaking.

Eligibility:

• Community members and leaders in Southwest Philadelphia
• Neighborhood residents and organizations
• Focus on grassroots community initiatives

Example Funded Projects:

• Block cleanups
• Video production and media training programs
• Literacy promotion initiatives
• Local performing arts showcases
• Community gardening projects
• Health and wellness events (e.g., 5K walk/run events)
• Cultural festivals and celebrations
• Youth leadership development programs
• Farm-related community outreach

2016 Grants: Fifteen awards were given to community leaders who organized various initiatives including block-cleanups, teaching video production, promoting literacy, and showcasing local performing artists.

2017+ Programs Supported:

• Legacy Crew: High school students cultivating leadership, organizing greening service projects, receiving stipends for special projects with community garden experts
• Multicultural Festival: Series of cultural celebration events including Kickback Festival, paint-and-sip workshops, bicycle excursions, and soccer tournaments