This summer, TNDC was welcomed as the newest member of the NeighborWorks Network of community-building organizations.  NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit organization created and funded by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. They work with non-profit leaders like TNDC to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.

The national NeighborWorks Network consists of more than 235 community-based organizations in 50 states that work to create healthy communities.  Admittance into the network involves a very selective application process. Out of 90 applications submitted this year, only about a dozen were admitted after a thorough review of each organization's operations and impact.

TNDC exceeded NeighborWorks' performance objectives in each of six categories – planning, resource development, organizational management, financial management, contract management, program services and technical operating systems. Overall, TNDC was awarded an Exemplary rating, the highest available for a NeighborWorks organization.

This rating qualifies TNDC for the highest level of annual operating grants.  NeighborWorks will provide unrestricted operating support for TNDC's programs and services in the amount of $100-150,000 a year. "We are a 6 million dollar organization," said Don.  "So while that gets us only 2% of the way to our annual fundraising goal, it still makes NeighborWorks one of our biggest and most reliable annual funders, which is so important in this economic climate.

TNDC is also eligible to compete for one-time capital grants for which only Exemplary-rated organizations are permitted to apply.  These periodic capital grants range up to $400,000 per application. This can be used not only for affordable housing, but also for commercial developments which are difficult to finance, with the profits of the commercial property going directly into the general fund. This bodes well for TNDC's attempts to bring a desperately-needed grocery store to the neighborhood.

Additional benefits from TNDC's incorporation into the NeighborWorks Network will include opportunities for skills development trainings for our staff and networking opportunities with other NeighborWorks organizations.  "And without a doubt, TNDC's reputation will benefit from NeighborWorks' stamp of approval," said Don.  "People know how difficult it is to qualify and compete successfully to be a member."

"Their assessment is thorough, and the deeper their team dug, the more they saw the truly great work that is happening throughout the entire organization every day. This affirmation of TNDC is a credit to the work of the TNDC staff. We couldn't be more pleased and grateful, or excited to share the news."

Jack Geary, a consultant who participated in NeighborWorks' TNDC Chartering Review, was enthusiastic about TNDC's incorporation. "I am so pleased that TNDC will be joining the NeighborWorks Network.  I am convinced that the partnership will help both TNDC and NeighborWorks, and will help many NeighborWorks Organizations who will benefit from affiliation with TNDC."