The Spring 2021 class selected South of Downtown Community Development Organization (SDCDO) as a recipient of a $5,000 grant. The nonprofit exists to enrich the lives of the residents in the Near South and Everett neighborhoods of Lincoln through innovative community development programming. The organization’s initiatives fall under the title: Sustainable Economic Development Extension (SEDE). SEDE is about “planting the seeds” of economic development through collaborative conversations between businesses and community members. SDCDO is not an outsider creating change. They integrate themselves into the work that is ongoing and uplift neighbors to create change for themselves.
A large program under SEDE is the Maker’s Market which brings together community members to sell goods that they have made themselves. It fosters skill development and economic opportunity for these individuals. Three Maker’s Markets happen annually: Spring, Summer, and Winter. In between markets, workshops take place to foster skill sharing and community building among makers. The individuals already have expertise and knowledge, and through the workshops, a stronger community web is facilitated. In the future, SCDCO hopes to launch a Farmer’s Market to bring good nutrition and even more economic value to the neighborhood.
Last year’s grant funding was allocated to support a Neighborhood Website Specialist to help bring the Maker’s Market online (sdmakersmarket.org). This role was unique as it was created to bring in a member of the neighborhood to be trained and equipped to carry out this role. In addition to the role, our funds supported an expansion of the Maker’s Market initiative and SEDE programming. SDCDO is committed to seeing change happen from the individuals who call Near South and Everett their home. Check out SDCDO’s website at: https://lincolnsouthdowntown.org/