Cynthia E and Clarence E Nevels Foundation, Inc.

Cynthia E. and Clarence E. Nevels Foundation, Inc.: Advancing Economic Mobility through Innovation, Education, and Equity

Overview

The Cynthia E. and Clarence E. Nevels Foundation, Inc. is committed to enhancing economic mobility within our community by harnessing the transformative power of philanthropy. Our mission centers around elevating human potential through innovative and equitable approaches to education, business development, and accessible housing. We believe that strategic initiatives can create lasting positive change, ultimately benefitting individuals, families, and the wider community.

Core Programs

1. Sleven Sports Select Volleyball Scholarship Program (360 Cares Program)
Our flagship initiative, the Sleven Sports Select Volleyball Scholarship Program, aims to support both athletic and academic excellence among student-athletes. By providing scholarships that focus on volleyball player development, academic achievement, leadership training, and college preparation, we foster a holistic approach to success. We prioritize candidates who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that all deserving student-athletes have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through the 360 Cares Program, we aim to cultivate future leaders equipped with the skills needed to excel in their personal and professional lives.

2. Integralitiy Economic Development and Social Impact Program (Start.Pivot.Grow.)
This program is designed to drive business development and foster entrepreneurship within our community. We provide essential support for business startups, assisting entrepreneurs in strategic pivoting and growth acceleration. Our focus on social impact measurement ensures that each business venture contributes positively to community well-being. Offering business planning, financial guidance, mentorship, and resource connectivity, we empower local entrepreneurs to create jobs, increase revenue, and stimulate economic growth, ultimately enhancing community resilience.

3. Tiny Renaissance Affordable Housing Program (Tiny Homes Big Heart Program)
Recognizing the critical need for affordable housing, our Tiny Renaissance Affordable Housing Program seeks to increase housing accessibility through innovative solutions. By focusing on the development of tiny home communities, we promote sustainable living and foster a sense of community. Our program addresses housing development, resident support, and community integration, ensuring that families have reliable, affordable places to call home. We are committed to establishing sustainable housing practices that not only provide shelter but also enhance the quality of life for residents.

Program Guidelines and Evaluation

Our application process is designed to ensure that we support initiatives with the highest potential for impact. Initial screenings assess eligibility, needs, and potential for positive change. We require detailed documentation to demonstrate alignment with our program goals, ensuring that our funding goes to those who need it most.

Monitoring and evaluation are central to our programs, utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess success. For education, we track scholarship recipients, academic achievements, and college acceptance rates. In our business development initiatives, we measure businesses launched, jobs created, and community impact. For housing, we evaluate units developed, families housed, and improvements in community stability.

Our commitment to continuous improvement means that we engage in annual reviews of our programs. We assess effectiveness, gather feedback from participants, and adapt our strategies to maximize impact. This process allows us to remain aligned with the evolving needs of our community and our partners.

Collaboration Framework

Integral to our success is the collaboration with family businesses and community organizations. By leveraging resources, expertise, and networks, we enhance the scale and efficiency of our programs. Engaging local organizations bolsters our impact and fosters sustainable relationships that create a synergistic approach to community development.

Funding Allocation

Our funding model is intentionally balanced across our core programs:
- Education (Sleven Sports): 33.3%
- Business Development (Integralitiy): 33.3%
- Housing (Tiny Renaissance): 33.3%

Additionally, we reserve 10% of our annual budget for emergency assistance, ensuring rapid response capabilities for crisis intervention and immediate needs.

Impact Measurement and Reporting

Our commitment to accountability is demonstrated through our annual impact reports, which highlight program metrics, financial overviews, and community benefits. We collect both quantitative data and qualitative assessments, allowing us to narrate the stories of those we serve and showcase the value of our work. By understanding direct beneficiaries and gathering community feedback, we continually adapt and improve our programs.

Conclusion

The Cynthia E. and Clarence E. Nevels Foundation, Inc. stands at the forefront of advancing economic mobility through purposeful innovation, education, and equity. Through our dedicated programs, we directly impact the lives of students, entrepreneurs, and families, fostering a vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement positions us as a vital partner and contributor to the shared goals of organizations like the UPS Foundation. Together, we can make significant strides towards equity and empowerment in our communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.