Under the program, BRIDGE will receive a core operating support grant of $500,000 over two years to continue implementing, refining and taking its community development efforts to scale. This new injection of funds will bolster BRIDGE’s work at Potrero in San Francisco and Jordan Downs in Los Angeles: two large, historically isolated public housing developments that are being transformed into mixed-income, mixed-use communities with new homes, retail, parks and open space, and a robust network of support services. In addition to the grant, BRIDGE will also gain access to technical assistance from leading experts as well as opportunities to connect with other grantees to share and learn best practices.
“At Potrero and Jordan Downs, BRIDGE is taking a holistic approach to improving the physical environment, integrating people and neighborhood strategies with bricks-and-mortar development,” said Cynthia A. Parker, BRIDGE President and CEO. “The Community Progress Makers award will help us hone this approach so that, ultimately, we and our partners in the field can expand and apply it in other locales.”
“The Citi Foundation feels privileged to support organizations that have demonstrated such strong commitments to their local communities and a willingness to share their experiences with others for the betterment of their neighborhoods,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “These organizations have a track record of implementing solutions that work for their communities because they know the people there, understand what resources to tap and, most importantly, feel deeply invested in the places where they live and work. We believe that’s the key to leading urban transformation efforts in San Francisco, Los Angeles and elsewhere across the country.”
The Community Progress Makers Fund builds upon the Citi Foundation’s commitment to identify and support innovative solutions and organizations that are helping build stronger, more resilient cities that are engines of economic opportunity for all. The flexibility of core operating support will allow organizations and their visionary leaders to deploy solutions that address a range of issues.
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About BRIDGE Housing
BRIDGE Housing Corporation, a leading nonprofit developer of affordable housing, creates, owns and manages a range of high-quality, affordable homes for working families and seniors. Since it was founded in 1983, BRIDGE has participated in the development of over 16,000 homes serving more than 40,000 people. For more information, visit bridgehousing.com.
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.