CMRC aligned community projects

The following are projects that CMRC is either interested in (and therefore logging and following their progress) or to whose progress we have made some amount of contributions:

Project Phase Definitions

The following defines the various project phases:

Archived - proposal deemed unable to get through the project cycle at this time (eg. grant proposal did not get selected); Ideation - an idea or concept that has some amount of social appeal for further exploration.
Concept- idea scoped out with enough details to give an early sizing and/or to build a proof of concept
Planning - idea is solid, stakeholders are identified, and there is strong commitment to go forward from all parties.
Development - program or application is being developed
On-going program - a product, program or service is in production or the project is completed (e.g. A funded grant was successfully executed).

Archived or Ideation	Concept Phase	Planning Phase	Development Phase	On-going or Completed
Economic Development: BioRochester and MedHub 3.0 Description: DMC EDA is submitting BioRochester proposal for the Federal Tech Hubs grant. The Tech Hubs Program is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional technology- and innovation-centric growth by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies. This program will invest directly in regions with the assets, resources, capacity, and potential to transform into globally competitive innovation centers in approximately 10 years while catalyzing the creation of good jobs for American workers at all skill levels, both equitably and inclusively. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Funding ; OpenBeam ; STEM ; Technology Enablement ; Workforce Development Led by : DMC EDA Health Determinants: NIH ComPASS: Intersection of Food, Culture & Health Grant Proposal Description: Forming coalition to apply to the grant. The purpose of this Research Opportunity Announcement (ROA) is to solicit applications from community organizations to develop, implement, assess, and disseminate co-created community-led, health equity structural interventions, in partnership with research organizations, that intervene upon structural factors that produce and perpetuate health disparities. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Food ; Health ; OpenBeam Led by : National Institutes of Health Common Fund	Diversity and Inclusion: Intercultural Center, Rochester (Creating a 21st Century Community Space) Description: A Place for All. Third Sector's shared space concept would provide a common entry point to community resources through its "front door" concept. Seeking 40,000 - 50,000 sf of public space for 3 core uses.  Community Cultural Center providing interactive gathering spaces for civic engagement, education, celebration.  Community Front Door offering a centralized entry point for individuals seeking access to community resources and activities.  Nonprofit COOP functions as the enterprise, funding general operations for the entire facility while creating operational efficiencies for NPOs. Impacting : Arts & Culture ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Food ; Interaction ; International ; Intelligence ; Language ; OpenBeam ; Welcoming Led by : Community Mobilization Resource Coalition (CMRC) Economic Development: Rochester Intercultural Economic Exchange (RICE) Description: Many Rochester groups have individual efforts to increase cultural and trade relationship with emerging global markets. These efforts can be made more effective if coordinated and they receive a local leadership sponsorship from local governments and business leaders. Rochester-MN with its DMC initiative is in a unique position to play a brokering role. Impacting : Best Practice ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Entrepreneurship ; International ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement Led by : OpenBeam.net Health Determinants: NIH Challenge Grant - Build Up Trust Description: On increasing underserved communities participation in disease research. The NIH Build UP Trust prize challenge aims to utilize new and existing strategies to improve engagement with underserved populations, in order to generate new solutions that address trust as a barrier to the adoption of both new and existing healthcare tools and diagnostics. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Health ; Mental Health ; OpenBeam Led by : National Institutes of Health Common Fund	Civic Engagement: 2024 The Year of Respect Description: You and many other community leaders are invited to join in this effort to begin to bring about positive change in 2024. We need your influence during the next 12 months to transform a negative environment into a community which is Full of Respect, and Who Value Others! Watch for a big announcement in January! Impacting : Caring Relationship ; Civic Engagement ; CMRC ; Networking ; OpenBeam Led by : National Community Resource Center Diversity and Inclusion: DEI Practioner Convenings Description: Rochester Area Foundation has signed on in support of the Commitment to Racial Justice that was crafted by the Rochester Nonprofit Consortium. Together, we stand in solidarity with those who seek justice and racial equity. We have committed to listen, learn and act in support of the following:  addressing the policies and practices that influence racism, structural bias and inequity;  connecting to resources, organizations, and best practices to apply a race equity lens; and  building capacity within our organization and community to promote social and economic mobility and wellbeing for all residents. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; OpenBeam Led by : Rochester Area Foundation Diversity and Inclusion: Update Intercultural Cities Initiative (ICI) Index Description: The Intercultural City Initiative is a bold effort on the part of a wide variety of organizations and individuals to align the collective power, creativity, expertise, and energy of our cities toward a future of inclusive growth. Inspired by the comprehensive and coordinated approach of the Council of Europe Intercultural City program, Minnesota’s Intercultural City Initiative is focused on using high leverage influence strategies to realize this future faster. Impacting : Best Practice ; Business Process ; Caring Relationship ; Commitment ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Governance/Public Policy ; International ; Intelligence ; Mediation ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement ; Vision/Identity Led by : City of Rochester, MN Technology Enablement: Partcipation in DEED's Digital Opportunity Plan Description: 1.1.1 \| Vision Statement This plan envisions a future where digital equity connects all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other. 1.1.2 \| Goals and Objectives The following list provides a summary of Minnesota’s digital opportunity goals and objectives as proposed in this plan. Further details, including specific strategies and key performance indicators, are spelled out at length in Section 3.0. Goal 1: Connect People to People 1. Minnesota’s digital opportunity advocates and educators statewide are a strong, united group who can lean on each other for fresh ideas, new strategies, and consistent support. 2. All Minnesotans have access to a trusted provider of digital skills training, including training that addresses cybersecurity. 3. All Minnesotans have access to a trusted provider of quality technical support. Goal 2: Connect People to Information 1. Minnesotans can access comprehensive data and mapping tools to evaluate digital opportunity in their area as well as statewide. 2. All Minnesota cities, counties, and tribes have the opportunity to create localized data-driven digital opportunity plans to support their residents and tribal members. 3. All city, county, and tribal government units have the opportunity to re-design their websites so that they are fully accessible to people with disabilities and people with limited English literacy skills. Goal 3: Connect People to Resources 1. All Minnesota households have the option to afford the internet service available at their location. 2. All Minnesota adults have the option to have afford a large-screen device or smartphone, whichever most efficiently helps them access the applications they require. 3. New digital opportunity pathways reach Minnesotans who are at high risk for being digitally excluded. Impacting : Aging ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Funding ; Health ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement Led by : OpenBeam	Community Mobilization: Building Out Community Mobilization Resources Coalition Description: Purpose: Change power dynamics to create a pluralistic and intercultural community where all people benefit equitably. Goal: Create equitable access to community resources and civic involvement. Impacting : Aging ; Arts & Culture ; Best Practice ; Business Process ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Leadership ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement Led by : Community Mobilization Resource Coalition (CMRC) Education: RCTC/Perkins Collective Impact Description: Collaborating with RCTC to strengthen Career and Technical Education: The Perkins V Federal Grant for Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides funds for approved Career and Technical Education programs. In Minnesota, funds are distributed on the basis of state-approved career and technical education programs and appropriate teacher licensure. Programs are administered under Minnesota Rules Chapter 3505 and the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). Impacting : CMRC ; Co-design ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Funding ; Governance/Public Policy ; Mentoring ; OpenBeam ; Workforce Development Led by : Rochester Community & Technical College Health Determinants: Joint Studies on tackling Racism as a Public Health Issue Description: Olmsted County commissioners are looking to tackle racism as a public health issue. The board on August 4, 2020 unanimously approved a measure officially asking members of the county’s Public Health Services Advisory Board and Human Rights Commission to work together to investigate racism and disparities in health care. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Governance/Public Policy ; Health ; OpenBeam Led by : County of Olmsted, MN	Entrepreneurship: Targeted Business Enterprise Utilization Description: To further increase participation rates of targeted businesses and workforce on DMC projects, four priorities have been identified that are outlined below. (1) Build capacity of Targeted Businesses located in Southeastern Minnesota (2) Assess gaps with existing subcontractors to determine market opportunity. (3) Recruit women and minorities from workforce to start their own companies. (4) Host workshops to educate entrepreneurs, provide consulting services for WMBVE certification process and assist with bid process to win contracts on DMC projects. Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Entrepreneurship ; OpenBeam ; Workforce Development Led by : City of Rochester, MN Food: The Village Community Garden & Learning Center (VCGLC) Description: The Village - Where We Grow Together! The Village Community Garden & Learning Center is a new community garden opening this 2019 growing season. The focus of this garden is to grow together as a community that comes from many parts of our world, and to learn about each other's traditions in food, arts, and culture. Thank you to Rochester Home Infusion for donating 11 acres for this project, and to our many partners at Diversity Council, Olmsted County, U of M Extension, Rochester Farmers Market, UMR, and RCTC. We are excited to share this new community asset with the city of Rochester and surrounding communities. This season will focus on the establishment of the garden through development of water resources, fencing, funding for event resources, and building our community of gardeners. We look forward to growing together! Impacting : Arts & Culture ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Food ; Health ; Immigration ; OpenBeam Led by : Diversity Council Health: Project HEALINGS of MN Description: HEALINGS provides an opportunity to close vaccination gaps and solve persistent health inequities by galvanizing disparate regional efforts and forging unbreakable connections between BIPOC Minnesotans and the state, local, private, and nonprofit entities that serve them. More than 250,000 touches that will establish a formidable network of human relationships to fulfill current COVID priorities and lay a foundation for equitable management of major health events arising in the future. The initiative will focus on Minnesota’s major population centers and the tribal communities of the Anishinaabe and Dakota. Impacting : Best Practice ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Health ; Medical Services ; OpenBeam ; Pandemic Led by : Diversity Council Housing: Housing Alliance Coalition Description: A continuing project to realize this purpose: “We are a cross-sector Alliance of organizations and individuals who seek to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing that meets community needs and priorities in the Rochester area, through shared information, coordination, and collaboration.” Impacting : Aging ; Business Process ; Commitment ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Housing ; Neighborhood ; OpenBeam Led by : Coalition for Rochester Area Housing

Archived or Ideation

Concept Phase

Planning Phase

Development Phase

On-going or Completed

Economic Development: BioRochester and MedHub 3.0

Description: DMC EDA is submitting BioRochester proposal for the Federal Tech Hubs grant. The Tech Hubs Program is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional technology- and innovation-centric growth by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies. This program will invest directly in regions with the assets, resources, capacity, and potential to transform into globally competitive innovation centers in approximately 10 years while catalyzing the creation of good jobs for American workers at all skill levels, both equitably and inclusively.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Funding ; OpenBeam ; STEM ; Technology Enablement ; Workforce Development
Led by : DMC EDA

Health Determinants: NIH ComPASS: Intersection of Food, Culture & Health Grant Proposal

Description: Forming coalition to apply to the grant. The purpose of this Research Opportunity Announcement (ROA) is to solicit applications from community organizations to develop, implement, assess, and disseminate co-created community-led, health equity structural interventions, in partnership with research organizations, that intervene upon structural factors that produce and perpetuate health disparities.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Food ; Health ; OpenBeam
Led by : National Institutes of Health Common Fund

Diversity and Inclusion: Intercultural Center, Rochester (Creating a 21st Century Community Space)

Description: A Place for All. Third Sector's shared space concept would provide a common entry point to community resources through its "front door" concept. Seeking 40,000 - 50,000 sf of public space for 3 core uses.  Community Cultural Center providing interactive gathering spaces for civic engagement, education, celebration.  Community Front Door offering a centralized entry point for individuals seeking access to community resources and activities.  Nonprofit COOP functions as the enterprise, funding general operations for the entire facility while creating operational efficiencies for NPOs.
Impacting : Arts & Culture ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Food ; Interaction ; International ; Intelligence ; Language ; OpenBeam ; Welcoming
Led by : Community Mobilization Resource Coalition (CMRC)

Economic Development: Rochester Intercultural Economic Exchange (RICE)

Description: Many Rochester groups have individual efforts to increase cultural and trade relationship with emerging global markets. These efforts can be made more effective if coordinated and they receive a local leadership sponsorship from local governments and business leaders. Rochester-MN with its DMC initiative is in a unique position to play a brokering role.
Impacting : Best Practice ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Entrepreneurship ; International ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement
Led by : OpenBeam.net

Health Determinants: NIH Challenge Grant - Build Up Trust

Description: On increasing underserved communities participation in disease research. The NIH Build UP Trust prize challenge aims to utilize new and existing strategies to improve engagement with underserved populations, in order to generate new solutions that address trust as a barrier to the adoption of both new and existing healthcare tools and diagnostics.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Health ; Mental Health ; OpenBeam
Led by : National Institutes of Health Common Fund

Civic Engagement: 2024 The Year of Respect

Description: You and many other community leaders are invited to join in this effort to begin to bring about positive change in 2024. We need your influence during the next 12 months to transform a negative environment into a community which is Full of Respect, and Who Value Others! Watch for a big announcement in January!
Impacting : Caring Relationship ; Civic Engagement ; CMRC ; Networking ; OpenBeam
Led by : National Community Resource Center

Diversity and Inclusion: DEI Practioner Convenings

Description: Rochester Area Foundation has signed on in support of the Commitment to Racial Justice that was crafted by the Rochester Nonprofit Consortium. Together, we stand in solidarity with those who seek justice and racial equity. We have committed to listen, learn and act in support of the following:  addressing the policies and practices that influence racism, structural bias and inequity;  connecting to resources, organizations, and best practices to apply a race equity lens; and  building capacity within our organization and community to promote social and economic mobility and wellbeing for all residents.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; OpenBeam
Led by : Rochester Area Foundation

Diversity and Inclusion: Update Intercultural Cities Initiative (ICI) Index

Description: The Intercultural City Initiative is a bold effort on the part of a wide variety of organizations and individuals to align the collective power, creativity, expertise, and energy of our cities toward a future of inclusive growth. Inspired by the comprehensive and coordinated approach of the Council of Europe Intercultural City program, Minnesota’s Intercultural City Initiative is focused on using high leverage influence strategies to realize this future faster.
Impacting : Best Practice ; Business Process ; Caring Relationship ; Commitment ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Governance/Public Policy ; International ; Intelligence ; Mediation ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement ; Vision/Identity
Led by : City of Rochester, MN

Technology Enablement: Partcipation in DEED's Digital Opportunity Plan

Description: 1.1.1 | Vision Statement This plan envisions a future where digital equity connects all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other. 1.1.2 | Goals and Objectives The following list provides a summary of Minnesota’s digital opportunity goals and objectives as proposed in this plan. Further details, including specific strategies and key performance indicators, are spelled out at length in Section 3.0. Goal 1: Connect People to People 1. Minnesota’s digital opportunity advocates and educators statewide are a strong, united group who can lean on each other for fresh ideas, new strategies, and consistent support. 2. All Minnesotans have access to a trusted provider of digital skills training, including training that addresses cybersecurity. 3. All Minnesotans have access to a trusted provider of quality technical support. Goal 2: Connect People to Information 1. Minnesotans can access comprehensive data and mapping tools to evaluate digital opportunity in their area as well as statewide. 2. All Minnesota cities, counties, and tribes have the opportunity to create localized data-driven digital opportunity plans to support their residents and tribal members. 3. All city, county, and tribal government units have the opportunity to re-design their websites so that they are fully accessible to people with disabilities and people with limited English literacy skills. Goal 3: Connect People to Resources 1. All Minnesota households have the option to afford the internet service available at their location. 2. All Minnesota adults have the option to have afford a large-screen device or smartphone, whichever most efficiently helps them access the applications they require. 3. New digital opportunity pathways reach Minnesotans who are at high risk for being digitally excluded.
Impacting : Aging ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Funding ; Health ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement
Led by : OpenBeam

Community Mobilization: Building Out Community Mobilization Resources Coalition

Description: Purpose: Change power dynamics to create a pluralistic and intercultural community where all people benefit equitably. Goal: Create equitable access to community resources and civic involvement.
Impacting : Aging ; Arts & Culture ; Best Practice ; Business Process ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Leadership ; OpenBeam ; Technology Enablement
Led by : Community Mobilization Resource Coalition (CMRC)

Education: RCTC/Perkins Collective Impact

Description: Collaborating with RCTC to strengthen Career and Technical Education: The Perkins V Federal Grant for Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides funds for approved Career and Technical Education programs. In Minnesota, funds are distributed on the basis of state-approved career and technical education programs and appropriate teacher licensure. Programs are administered under Minnesota Rules Chapter 3505 and the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).
Impacting : CMRC ; Co-design ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Funding ; Governance/Public Policy ; Mentoring ; OpenBeam ; Workforce Development
Led by : Rochester Community & Technical College

Health Determinants: Joint Studies on tackling Racism as a Public Health Issue

Description: Olmsted County commissioners are looking to tackle racism as a public health issue. The board on August 4, 2020 unanimously approved a measure officially asking members of the county’s Public Health Services Advisory Board and Human Rights Commission to work together to investigate racism and disparities in health care.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Governance/Public Policy ; Health ; OpenBeam
Led by : County of Olmsted, MN

Entrepreneurship: Targeted Business Enterprise Utilization

Description: To further increase participation rates of targeted businesses and workforce on DMC projects, four priorities have been identified that are outlined below. (1) Build capacity of Targeted Businesses located in Southeastern Minnesota (2) Assess gaps with existing subcontractors to determine market opportunity. (3) Recruit women and minorities from workforce to start their own companies. (4) Host workshops to educate entrepreneurs, provide consulting services for WMBVE certification process and assist with bid process to win contracts on DMC projects.
Impacting : CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Economic Development ; Entrepreneurship ; OpenBeam ; Workforce Development
Led by : City of Rochester, MN

Food: The Village Community Garden & Learning Center (VCGLC)

Description: The Village - Where We Grow Together! The Village Community Garden & Learning Center is a new community garden opening this 2019 growing season. The focus of this garden is to grow together as a community that comes from many parts of our world, and to learn about each other's traditions in food, arts, and culture. Thank you to Rochester Home Infusion for donating 11 acres for this project, and to our many partners at Diversity Council, Olmsted County, U of M Extension, Rochester Farmers Market, UMR, and RCTC. We are excited to share this new community asset with the city of Rochester and surrounding communities. This season will focus on the establishment of the garden through development of water resources, fencing, funding for event resources, and building our community of gardeners. We look forward to growing together!
Impacting : Arts & Culture ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Education ; Food ; Health ; Immigration ; OpenBeam
Led by : Diversity Council

Health: Project HEALINGS of MN

Description: HEALINGS provides an opportunity to close vaccination gaps and solve persistent health inequities by galvanizing disparate regional efforts and forging unbreakable connections between BIPOC Minnesotans and the state, local, private, and nonprofit entities that serve them. More than 250,000 touches that will establish a formidable network of human relationships to fulfill current COVID priorities and lay a foundation for equitable management of major health events arising in the future. The initiative will focus on Minnesota’s major population centers and the tribal communities of the Anishinaabe and Dakota.
Impacting : Best Practice ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Health ; Medical Services ; OpenBeam ; Pandemic
Led by : Diversity Council

Housing: Housing Alliance Coalition

Description: A continuing project to realize this purpose: “We are a cross-sector Alliance of organizations and individuals who seek to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing that meets community needs and priorities in the Rochester area, through shared information, coordination, and collaboration.”
Impacting : Aging ; Business Process ; Commitment ; CMRC ; Diversity and Inclusion ; Housing ; Neighborhood ; OpenBeam
Led by : Coalition for Rochester Area Housing