Hometown Pride Community Resources
Photographer: Justin Rogers of West Des Moines, IA
The resources below are provided as a “guidebook” for our designated Hometown Pride communities. We hope that this information will help you reach your goals! (If you are not yet a Hometown Pride community and would like to be, please click here.)
Getting Started
What Hometown Pride Does – Program Mission and Example Projects
Forming Your Hometown Pride Committee
Start here for a step-by-step process to form your committee, including simple fill-in-the-blank guidelines that your committee can adopt.
Creating a Vision and Action Plan for Your Hometown Pride Committee
What should your committee do? The answer is up to you. Here’s how to identify a vision for your group and a clear action plan.
7 quick, low cost project ideas
These ideas are great for a first project, or any time.
How to Host a Community Vision Workshop
If your town doesn’t already have a city-wide vision plan or strategic plan, consider hosting a simple workshop with residents to discuss potential goals for your town.
The Role of the Community Coach
Hometown Pride “coaches” are a valuable resource and advocate for their communities. Learn more about what the coach can do for your Hometown Pride committee.
Running Your Hometown Pride Committee
9 Tips for Running an Effective Meeting
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
“Parliamentary procedure” is a set of basic meeting rules that help you be more efficient and effective.
Succession Planning – Starting From Day One
10 Ways to Boost Volunteer Retention
Funding: Grant Writing and Fundraising
10 Grant Writing Tips From a Pro
State of Iowa Grants
List of available grant opportunities from the state.
The Iowa Grants Guide
A database of nearly 700 funders in Iowa or with an Iowa connection.
Establishing an Non-Profit in Iowa and Filing for Tax-Exempt Status With the IRS
It is common for grantors to require applicants to be a nonprofit and have 501(c)3 status from the IRS. Check out these resources about how to establish a non-profit in Iowa and file for tax-exempt status.
40 Fundraiser Ideas for your Community
Publicity
Publicity Materials for New Hometown Pride Communities
9 Tips to Boost Your Hometown Pride Facebook Presence
Download the Hometown Pride logo: Low resolution JPG / High resolution PNG_white background / High resolution PNG_transparent background
“How Tos” for Betterment Projects
How To Host a Community Clean Up
How To Create a Mural in Your Community
Public Art Ideas for Your Community
Public art is a great way to improve the beautification of your community. Introduce some creativity into your community with these innovative ideas!
How To Get Trails Built in Your Community
An outline of the basic steps for building a trail—from conception to construction!
“Save Your Town” Webinar Series
“Save Your Town” webinars ($20/webinar) address some of the most talked-about topics for small towns, including attracting youth, empty buildings, revitalizing your downtown, the future of retail, and more!
Build a Better Block
“Build a Better Block”, a video from speaker Jason Roberts, advises organizations and volunteers about the best ways to transform their communities.
