Residents and businesses encouraged to have a stake in projects in their community
Charleroi, PA, January 21, 2016 – The Mon Valley Alliance (MVA), when it was formed this year, made it its mission to be more involved in the communities it serves and to support shorter term community projects that improve the quality of life for residents and attract new people to the region.
To deliver on this mission, MVA has created four new community development funds to help support and start new projects that strengthen the community and benefit the region. “We know that we can accomplish more if we work together,” said Christopher Whitlatch, CEO of MVA. “With these funds, anyone in the community from an individual to a business can be involved in the future development of the Mon Valley.”
The new funds are:
The Mon Valley Community Development Fund will provide ongoing capital support for economic and community development projects that provide public amenities that improve the quality of life. Projects may include acquisition of buildings and land, site preparation or demolition, creation or improvement of public spaces, development projects and matching funds for federal, state or local grant programs. The fund will also facilitate regional level planning initiatives for the Mid Mon Valley.
Workforce Readiness Fund will provide funding support for workforce development projects that will prepare area residents for employment opportunities with existing businesses in the area as well as develop a labor force to attract new employers and industries to the area.
Entrepreneurship and Incubation Fund will provide capital through a revolving loan fund for entrepreneurs and startups in the Mon Valley as well as funding for infrastructure to attract startups to the area. Projects may include co-working or incubation spaces, cooperative formation, training, promotion or other activities.
Historical Preservation Fund will provide funding for historical preservation activities in the Mon Valley. Projects may include building or property acquisition, restoration or recovery, promotional materials or to provide matching funds for federal, state and local grant opportunities.
The funds have been set up under the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation, a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, enabling contributors to receive a full tax deduction for all contributions. Donations can be made online at MonValleyAlliance.org or by check to Mon Valley Alliance Foundation, P.O Box 145, Charleroi, PA 15022. The Mon Valley Alliance Foundation can also accept donations of property and buildings, providing a tax deduction for the donation.
MVA recently released a new website to provide additional resources for businesses and the community as well as to deliver the latest information on the organization and its projects. There is also a feedback feature for residents to submit their ideas for ways to improve the communities in which they live and the region as a whole.
“By joining together to support improvements to the region, we can accomplish more in a shorter period of time,” said Whitlatch. “The development funds are an excellent opportunity to be involved in the community today while leaving a legacy for tomorrow. It is my wish to have as many people point to a new community resource and say, ‘I made that possible’.”