Our Work | Community Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul in our Communities
The Arras Foundation prioritizes community and resident engagement in order to strengthen collaborative efforts that build capacity in our cities and towns.
In 2016, the Arras Foundation began a strategic partnership with Community Heart & Soul® (formerly known as the Orton Family Foundation) to bring a new method of resident-driven community development to the Southeastern US and to our region in particular. Through competitive funding, three local towns have received Arras Foundation funds and a dedicated coach to support their own implementation of the Community Heart & Soul methodology.
Through Community Heart & Soul, small cities and towns across America identify the priorities, places, and traditions that matter most to the people who live, work, and play there—and turn those elements into action plans to build a brighter future for current and future generations. Led by residents, in partnership with local officials, Community Heart & Soul strengthens community engagement, builds trust, sparks economic development, and honors history and culture.
By providing our local communities with Foundation funding and a dedicated Community Heart & Soul coach, the Foundation helps build resident engagement practices in our cities and towns, ensuring plans are built with broad community involvement. Through community engagement, the Foundation learns what matters most to our area residents, helping us be both data and community informed as we set priorities with our community partners.
