Chasing the MoneyChasing the Moneyor or

Funding a Vision?Funding a Vision?

Prepared by:Prepared by:Will Andresen, Community Resource Development EducatorWill Andresen, Community Resource Development Educator

Iron County UW-ExtensionIron County UW-Extension20072007

One way to illustrate the difference between “chasing the money” and “funding a vision” is to use a building as a metaphor for the community development process.

The building’s foundation represents the foundation of community development concepts.

Without the foundation, there is nothing to build upon.

The building structure (its posts, beams, walls and roof) represents the structure of the community: what supports it, how big it is, what it is made of.

Windows and doors represent the vision of the community: What does it see, what are its values, where does it want to go?

The finishing touches of paint colors, siding and window dressings are the final step, representing plans, strategies and action.

This is what people notice; but cannot exist without a foundation, structure and vision.

Using this metaphor, the difference between “chasing the money” and “funding a vision” becomes clear.

When you “fund a vision” you understand the foundation, structure and vision of the community so you can create and enjoy a memorable finished product.

When you “chase the When you “chase the money”, you lack an money”, you lack an understanding and understanding and appreciation of appreciation of these concepts and these concepts and you have little you have little vision.vision.

In the end, you get In the end, you get stuck with an stuck with an artificial layer that artificial layer that doesn’t fit the doesn’t fit the community.community.

The following table illustrates key differences between The following table illustrates key differences between “Chasing the Money” and “Funding a Vision”.“Chasing the Money” and “Funding a Vision”.

““Funding a vision” Funding a vision” creates a finish that creates a finish that understands, fits understands, fits and accents the and accents the community. community.

““Funding a vision” Funding a vision” creates a finish that creates a finish that understands, fits understands, fits and accents the and accents the community.community.

““Chasing the money” Chasing the money” doesn’t.doesn’t.

Change agents are Change agents are motivated to enhance motivated to enhance

their community.their community.

Change agents are Change agents are motivated to enhance motivated to enhance

their community.their community. Grant chasers aren’t.

Grant chasers create Grant chasers create projects that don’t projects that don’t relate to the relate to the community.community.

Or don’t relate to Or don’t relate to each other. each other.

Change agents work Change agents work to coordinate to coordinate quality projects . . . quality projects . . .

with other quality with other quality projects . . .projects . . .

to create a synergy that transforms communities in to create a synergy that transforms communities in natural and meaningful ways.natural and meaningful ways.