(Centered on the Ida B. Wells Housing Projects Community)
1. Reestablishing Legal Standing
The first step is to restore the foundation’s legal footing. This requires re-incorporation in Illinois, filing past-due IRS and state returns, and adopting bylaws that define leadership responsibilities and accountability. Establishing this legitimacy is necessary to apply for grants, build partnerships, and provide assurance to donors that their contributions are being handled responsibly.
2. Strengthening Governance
The foundation must ensure its leadership reflects both professionalism and community heritage. Board members should receive nonprofit governance training and expand to include Ida B. Wells alumni, community leaders, and professionals in law, housing, finance, and education. An advisory council—comprised of past residents, neighborhood activists, and younger voices—would bring diversity of perspective and help align programs with the true needs of the community.
3. Building Financial Foundations
Financial stability can be rebuilt through:
A fundraising campaign targeting Ida B. Wells alumni across the U.S., appealing to their shared heritage and legacy.
Grant applications in areas such as housing aid, workforce development, and cultural preservation.
Corporate sponsorships from businesses with community reinvestment commitments.
SBA-aligned nonprofit financing, once legally reinstated, to help with capacity building.
4. Community Outreach & Engagement
The Ida B. Wells Homes impacted nearly 80,000–90,000 residents over 40 years, creating a powerful potential base for engagement. To reconnect:
Landing Page & Contact Collection: Launch a simple, mobile-friendly landing page where former and current community members can provide their contact information (email, phone, mailing address). The page should include:
A message about rebuilding the foundation.
A brief survey to identify interests (housing aid, jobs, heritage events, education, etc.).
A sign-up system to join newsletters, reunion events, and volunteer lists.
Heritage Programming: Archive stories, photos, and histories of residents, creating a living digital museum.
Reunions and Events: Host in-person or virtual gatherings to reestablish trust and community identity.
Partnerships: Collaborate with housing agencies, food banks, and schools to offer tangible services quickly.
5. Strategic Planning for the Future
A clear three-year plan should define priorities such as:
Housing assistance programs for vulnerable families.
Food and rental relief to address immediate needs.
Job training and education programs for youth and returning citizens.
Cultural preservation projects, ensuring the legacy of Ida B. Wells residents is documented. Pilot initiatives, such as scholarships or rental support funds, can build momentum and demonstrate impact.
6. Transparency & Community Trust
To strengthen credibility, the foundation should:
Publish annual reports with financial transparency and program outcomes.
Issue quarterly community updates through newsletters and town halls.
Maintain an open channel where residents can share feedback and ideas.
Conclusion
The Ida B. Wells Housing Projects represent more than buildings—they represent resilience, culture, and history for nearly 90,000 residents and their families. By rebuilding its legal and financial structure, establishing strong governance, and reconnecting through a landing page and outreach system, the 39ers Foundation can reintroduce itself as a credible and responsive community organization. With sustained effort, it can transform into a hub for housing support, food access, workforce development, and cultural heritage preservation—living up to the legacy of Ida B. Wells herself and uplifting the generations shaped by her community.
