1. Chasing the Money or Funding a Vision? Prepared by: Will Andresen, Community Resource Development Educator Iron County UW-Extension 2007

2. 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.

3. The building’s foundation represents the foundation of community development concepts. Without the foundation, there is nothing to build upon.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

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

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

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

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

13. “Chasing the money” doesn’t.

14. Change agents are motivated to enhance their community.

15. Grant chasers aren’t.

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

17. Or don’t relate to each other.

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

19. with other quality projects...

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