Making Awesome Happen, $1000 at a Time
A great new initiative is about to be launched in Newmarket - our very own local Awesome Foundation chapter is in the works.
Since May of 2010, The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce has led several multi-sectoral gatherings with more than 60 participants, to discuss how to work together to create a prosperous community for all. The Prosperity Round Tables included representatives from business, education, social services, government, health, culture and recreation, who shared ideas and priorities for creating the social conditions to support innovation, and to foster opportunities to drive prosperity. Three foundational pillars are the basis for activities and projects: Lifelong Learning, Community Engagement, and Employment Strategies.
The first initiative arising from the Prosperity Roundtable, is to set up a local chapter of The Awesome Foundation.The Awesome movement first began in the US in 2009, with the goal of enabling ideas that have a positive impact on the community, without complex funding and approval processes. It has since grown to other communities both in the US and Canada.
Described as "micro-genius grants for flashes of micro-brilliance", the program is supported by recruiting up to ten like-minded business individuals that commit to funding $100 a month for one year. Each month, individuals in the community are invited to submit projects and ideas that will make a difference in our town, and that are aligned with the three pillars identified. The ten funders review the ideas monthly, and through consensus, provide $1000 to one idea each month.
The Awesome Foundation, like the Prosperity Round Table, are part of the Chamber's community-based efforts to help drive economic development and social innovation through collaborative, non-governmental approaches.
Although not yet officially launched, the program has already attracted six committed funders, who came forward within 48 hours of the Chamber Board approving the program. For more information, please contact Debra Scott: debra@newmarketchamber.ca or 905.898.5900 x223
Awesome Foundation Newmarket in the News:
