As a part of its revitalization strategy, the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance has placed a high priority on the redevelopment of the city’s downtown commercial core. In 2018, the nonprofit applied for – and received – a Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

NPP is a Pennsylvania tax credit incentive whereby private donors contribute to a not-for-profit agency, in this case the 2nd Century Alliance, in exchange for state corporate tax credits. The program provides for long-term collaborations of five years or more to produce a comprehensive, asset-based, and relationship-driven approach to community development.

The 2nd Century Alliance was able to secure two private donors, each making a six-year contribution commitment of $50,000 per year, allowing for a long-term, strategic approach to Coatesville’s downtown revitalization.

While the contribution commitments are in place for six years, certain milestones must be met each year in order to secure subsequent year tax credit allocations from the state.

The donors – Hickory Bark, LLC and Knox Equipment Rental – saw the value and importance of the city’s downtown revitalization and recognized the need for a long-term commitment.

“We made this long-term commitment to the 2nd Century Alliance because we believe in the sophisticated strategic plan they have put in place, and understand it will take more than a one-time or one-year donation to change the economic outcomes for the city,” said Jennifer McNeil, Principal of Hickory Bark.

The funds support a full-time downtown manager, a façade improvement grant that is already showing results, and a clean/safe/green program. The grant also supports marketing and educational support for downtown businesses.

“We are privileged to have these two donors come to the table in such a significant way,” said Sonia Huntzinger, Economic Development Administrator for the 2nd Century Alliance. “It’s not always easy to secure such a long-term commitment from donors. Real, positive community change takes a long time, and these contributors understand that.”

Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance was created in 2015, when Coatesville celebrated its 100th anniversary as a Pennsylvania City of the Third Class. A group of dedicated community stakeholders convened to ensure that the city’s “second century” would be economically prosperous for all its residents and businesses.

Click here to learn more about the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance.