In 2014, Dionne Grayson agreed to create and manage the infrastructure for Community Connections, a small grants program created collaboratively by local foundations. She imagined it would go the way many projects go – last a year or two before funders moved on – but much to Grayson’s surprise and delight, Community Connections recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
“I think the program is such a gem,” Grayson said. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the ideas and cultures within different neighborhoods. I really encourage residents to take advantage of it.”
Community Connections supports resident-led efforts that enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Funding comes from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation and Northwestern Mutual Foundation. The grants range from $50 to $600, and a resident-led committee reviews the applications.
Since its inception in 2014, Community Connections has awarded more than 160 grants for a total of nearly $118,000.
The projects range from beautification efforts to safety initiatives to health and wellness programs. Projects must be based in one of the program’s targeted ZIP codes in Milwaukee and Waukesha, and grantees must provide volunteers and work with pillar organizations in their neighborhood for matching funds or resources.
One project, two outcomes
Martha Cuenca, a south side resident, first applied for Community Connections in 2014 for cycle one and two. She received a $480 grant each time for the healthy cooking classes she provided to neighbors in Layton Boulevard.
In 2019, she applied for funding for her block’s alley transformation project and received $2,000. At the time, Community Connections gave larger grants before pivoting to smaller grants to serve more residents.
The project improved alley safety with speed limit signs and lighting on garages. Residents painted murals on their garages to create an aesthetically pleasing environment for children and adults to enjoy.
“The majority of neighbors helped,” Cuenca said. “We have a strong connection. Every year, we organize a block party to share food, to share our community and to share our cultures.”
‘We all play a role’
Like Cuenca, Barbara Cerda received overwhelming support for her project – Barby the Book Fairy’s Little Libraries, which provided 10 little free libraries in the 53215 ZIP code to increase access to literature.
The idea stemmed from walks Cerda would take with her daughters during the pandemic when they would fill the neighborhood’s little libraries.
“All it took was a neighborhood walk and being in the community and like just opening your eyes to it,” Cerda said. “Every time we'd pass by the free libraries, they were empty. And then every time we'd put books in, they were gone within half a day.”
Cerda turned to friends, family and neighbors to request donated books to help fill the need. She received such an influx of books, that she hosted a day of action and called it Milwaukee’s Biggest Free Library. It turned into a book swap and soon others were asking Cerda where they could get their own library.
When Cerda turned to Google for an answer, she realized she could make the libraries and provide them to neighbors. A grant from Community Connections helped her buy the material, and volunteers helped her put them together.
The second time she applied to Community Connections was for Milwaukee’s Biggest Free Library to buy snacks and marketing materials. The event is in its fourth year and now partners with Literacy Services of Wisconsin.
“I hope Community Connections continues to exist for 10 more years and beyond, because it’s so important to make sure we all play a role in these projects or these special things that we come up with,” Cerda said.
In the right place
Over the years, Grayson has worked with applicants to improve the program, including simplifying the application, providing information sessions and changing how funds are distributed.
“It’s been a lot of listening to what works, what doesn’t work, and we’ve definitely made some pivots to do things that will best meet the needs of the residents,” Grayson said. “And it’s really important that the community is aware that these are resident-driven projects and not nonprofits coming in and telling residents what to do.”
Because of the program’s innovative process – giving grant dollars directly to residents instead of nonprofits – the supporting foundations have helped communities expand capacity, build trust and strengthen resident connections.
These connections have led to additional opportunities. Naryan Leazer and Jacqueline Ward serve on the Foundation Board having previously served on the review committee. Lori Gramling, the executive director of La Familia de Arte, received funds to convert a carriage house into a community gallery space and art studio. Later, La Familia de Arte created pieces for ThriveOn King.
Steve O’Connell has been on the program’s review committee for the past decade. He’s also received grants for several projects to increase neighborhood safety and health in Sherman Park and Capitol Heights. Projects include installing security cameras, dusk to dawn light fixtures and LED lights in alleys and placing composters in backyards.
He first got involved through Grayson, but he’s stayed for the community relationships and the impact Community Connections has on Milwaukee.
“You look at these individuals and their heart is in the right place. They want to better their community and they need $600. And they’re so engaged in their projects whatever they want to do,” O’Connell said. “And for me, the thing that makes me come back every year is the impact I can have on things happening in the community.”