Should We Create a SV Residents Foundation?

The Valleyist Papers 

 

A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS WRITTEN IN FAVOUR OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF STEPHENS VALLEY 

Author – William Ray 

 

Edition 3. Issue 04.  

Should we create a non-profit foundation for our purposes in SV? 

After looking at other neighborhoods like ours, it seems that such a move could be a transformative and impactful endeavor. Creating a foundation would give us flexibility to implement projects and events that would be easier done if our Community Building were in place. Since the HOA meeting and the information shared with us then, it seems that the Community Building is a long way from being built, so maybe we need another way to allow community members to come together, pool resources, and work towards common goals that benefit everyone. In this essay, we will explore the steps involved in creating such a foundation, its potential benefits, and the positive impact it can have on a neighborhood. 

The first step in establishing a non-profit foundation for a neighborhood group is to identify the needs and priorities of the community that might be facilitated with a foundation. This may involve conducting surveys, holding community meetings (of course, therein lies part of the problem), and engaging in discussions with residents to understand their concerns and aspirations (might accomplish that via Slack). By gathering input from a diverse range of community members, the new foundation can develop a clear understanding of the issues that need to be addressed and the goals that need to be pursued. With help from some residents who are knowledgeable in the IRS treatment of 501 C (3) foundations, we can also determine if our goals would all be allowed. 

Once the needs and priorities have been identified, the next step is to create a mission statement and develop a strategic plan. The mission statement should clearly articulate the purpose of the foundation and its commitment to serving the community. The strategic plan should outline specific objectives, action steps, and timelines for achieving the foundation's goals. This plan will serve as a roadmap for the foundation's activities and guide decision-making processes. 

One of the key benefits of creating a non-profit foundation for a neighborhood group is the ability to access funding and resources. Non-profit status (especially if we can get it approved for tax-exempt status) allows the foundation to seek grants, donations, and other forms of financial support from government agencies, businesses, and individuals, who, in turn can deduct the contributions from income tax as charitable giving. This funding can be used to support a wide range of initiatives, such as community events, educational programs, infrastructure improvements, and social services. 

In addition to financial support, a non-profit foundation can also leverage the skills, expertise, and networks of its members and partners. By collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, the foundation can tap into a wealth of knowledge and resources to advance its mission and achieve its goals. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility within the community, leading to stronger relationships and greater impact.  We would also get to experience becoming a deliberative body, since it is obvious we are not going to get to deliberate on community decisions through the Stephens Valley Corporate body any time soon. Creating a non-profit foundation for SV is the opportunity to empower community members and build leadership capacity. By involving residents in decision-making processes, volunteering opportunities, and leadership roles, the foundation can foster a sense of ownership and pride in the community. This empowerment not only leads to more effective outcomes but also creates a more resilient and self-reliant neighborhood. 

Furthermore, a non-profit foundation can serve as a catalyst for positive change and community development. By addressing pressing issues such as poverty, education, health, and environmental sustainability, the foundation can improve the quality of life for residents and create a more vibrant and inclusive neighborhood. This, in turn, can attract new residents, businesses, and investments, further contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the community. 

In conclusion, creating a non-profit foundation for a neighborhood group is a powerful way to bring people together, address community needs, and create positive change. By leveraging the collective resources, talents, and passion of its members, the foundation can make a lasting impact and build a brighter future for everyone in the neighborhood. Is anyone looking for a project?  

 

Meanwhile...here is the recurring list of upcoming events in the region: 

April 4     SV Community Corn Hole Event     5:00 at Pickleball Court 

April 6     Banana Pudding Festival     https://www.exploremontereytn.com/event/banana-pudding-festival/ 

April 8     Total Solar Eclipse     We should organize some sort of viewing party right here in SV! We will not experience totality, but it will be close! 

April 14     SV Community Pickleball Event 3:00 at the Pickleball Courts 

April 19     Pink Floyd Tribute     https://secure.franklintheatre.com/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=413497~cfe40b7d-1c56-4c4b-b937-600bdd7c5904& 

April 27     Rain – Beatles Tribute     https://www.thefishercenter.com/2024/01/15/rain/ 

April 27     Franklin Main Street Festival     Main Street Festival | Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN (williamsonheritage.org)  

April 27     National Cornbread Festival     https://nationalcornbread.com/ 

April 28     SV Community Pickleball Event     3:00 at the Pickleball Courts 

May 2     Cheekwood Thursday Night Out     Our own Les Sabler kicks off the Cheekwood TNO season with his smooth jazz art 

May 10-11    Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival     Portland Tennessee 

May 14     Stevie Nicks     Bridgestone Arena 

May 18     Middle Tennessee Cornbread Festival https://www.facebook.com/events/729776665311775/ 

May 18     Forever Abbey Road     Franklin Theatre - Forever Abbey Road 

May 25     Stephens Valley Pool Opening Day 

May 30     Jerry Seinfeld     TPAC  

June 12     An Evening with James Taylor     Bridgestone Arena 

June 15     RC Cola – Moonpie Festival     RC Cola – MoonPie Festival – Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce 

June 15     SV BBQ and Bluegrass Day (with fireworks!) 

June 21     Full Moon Picking Party     https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/ 

July 13     Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival  

July 19     Full Moon Picking Party     https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/ 

July 20     SV Dive-In Movie Night 

August 10     Peach Cobbler Festival https://allevents.in/murfreesboro/3rd-annual-peach-cobbler-festival/200026120118621?ref=eventlist-cat 

August 10 Chattanooga Margarita Festival     Chattanooga Margarita Festival — Chattanooga Festivals 

August 16     Full Moon Picking Party     https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/ 

August 24     Apple Pie Festival At The Little Red Orchard     Apple Pie Festival - Rickman, TN (stepoutside.org) 

August 24     SV Songwriter Night 

August 31     Monroe County (Kentucky) Watermelon Festival     Tompkinsville, KY 

September 7     Middle Tennessee Fried Pickle Festival https://allevents.in/murfreesboro/200025664344834?ref=sharer 

There are a lot more, but the links get a little iffy, further out than this. Stay tuned to upcoming issues of The Valleyist for updates to the list of entertainment opportunities right here in our state and neighborhood!