C4C program to help connect community

This summer, local nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) wants residents of Sisters Country to get outside and connect with their neighbors. To encourage such community bonding, the organization is launching a new micro-grant program offering stipends to help fund neighborhood gatherings.

Launching this week, “Land of 1,000 Picnics” offers community members and organizations up to $150 toward expenses for neighborhood picnics, potlucks, block parties, and related activities. Funds can go towards food, permit fees, promotional flyers, or any other event costs.

The only requirements for event planner: The gatherings must be open to everyone within their selected geographic area (such as a neighborhood or city block), and they must provide a brief report and photos following the event. Those interested in hosting an event can learn more and apply at http://www.citizens4community.com/1000-picnics.

“The premise of this program is simple — we believe that sharing a meal with neighbors is a powerful way to build community connection, resiliency, and belonging,” explains Kellen Klein, C4C’s Executive Director. “And in increasingly polarized times, that feels more important than ever.”

The 1,000 Picnics program is possible thanks to a grant from the Ford Family Foundation — a philanthropic organization based in Roseburg, Oregon that works toward “a future where rural communities are vibrant places that provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

“When we know and trust our neighbors, our communities become safer, more collaborative, and better able to overcome local divides and challenges,” said Max Gimbel, Director of Rural Community Building at Ford Family Foundation. “We’re excited to support this simple yet potentially powerful opportunity in Sisters Country and other communities across rural Oregon.”

While C4C doesn’t actually have enough funding for 1,000 picnics, the nonprofit hopes to catalyze at least ten new gatherings across Sisters Country in the coming months. The application process is designed to be straightforward and low-barrier, and applications will be reviewed every Friday beginning August 16th.

To help kick-start the program, C4C is planning its own community-wide picnic in the park for later this summer, complete with free entertainment, games, and treats. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Sisters Country residents can start planning their own gatherings by visiting http://www.citizens4community.com/1000-picnics.