ATLANTA – The Southern Economic Advancement Project (SEAP) announces the launch of its federal funding-focused initiative, Our Dollars, Our Dreams. SEAP designed this campaign to advance equity and public engagement practices in fiscal policy while empowering Southern communities to assert their voices in decisions over public funds.
Our Dollars, Our Dreams will support Southern leaders and changemakers in unlocking the full potential of federal funding, particularly as it relates to climate and environmental justice. By providing pro bono support services, SEAP will assist community organizations, local governments, and other civic partners interested in applying for competitive federal grants or incorporating equity and engagement into local fiscal policy.
As historic federal funding via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and the Inflation Reduction Act become available, “Our Dollars, Our Dreams” will ready communities to meet the moment and ensure federal funding reaches all corners of the South. Building on the success of SEAP’s SouthStrong initiative, which resulted in the formation of over 200 partnerships and the creation of the American Rescue Plan Toolkit, Our Dollars, Our Dreams’ comprises three key components:
Technical Assistance:
The campaign aims to strengthen Southern communities’ existing capacity for securing public funding. Through targeted support and resources, SEAP will provide pro bono technical assistance, such as grant writing, capacity and network building, and project coordination, to enable communities to navigate the complexities of federal funding opportunities and local fiscal policy more effectively.
Network-Building:
Our Dollars, Our Dreams seeks to connect a community of practice, fostering collaboration among similar groups throughout the South. This network will serve as a platform for sharing tactics, building relationships, and spreading innovations in public funding and community development.
Research:
SEAP recognizes the importance of data-driven insights in promoting informed decision-making. The campaign will collect data and share learnings through reports, social media, press releases, website content, and other channels. By disseminating valuable information, SEAP aims to empower communities with the knowledge to advocate for how they need their leaders to allocate these dollars.
“Our Dollars, Our Dreams reflects SEAP’s commitment to fostering economic advancement in the South,” said Liza Crichton, Federal Resources Coordinator at SEAP. “By providing technical assistance, fostering networks, and conducting research, we aim to empower communities to shape and meet their needs.”
Earlier this month, SEAP piloted the initiative in New Orleans, working with the Committee for a Better New Orleans and hosting a workshop-style Building Equity Summit. This summit invited local leaders, organizations, and community members to actively participate in shaping spending decisions that directly impact their community. Learn more about that event here.
SEAP invites communities, organizations, and individuals passionate about economic advancement in the South to join us in this campaign to make “Our Dollars, Our Dreams” a transformative force. Those interested can fill out our interest form or sign up for office hours to connect with our team and get started!
For media inquiries, please contact Dede Dunham at dede@theseap.org