Big Lick SOUP (Supporting Outstanding Urban Projects) is following its successful first run in February with another micro-funding initiative in October.
All members of the community are invited to bring a $10 donation and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal from local restaurants (included). Each donation goes toward a micro-grant that one Roanoke organization or individual will receive by popular vote at the end of a night of presentations, music and fun. The grant recipient will use the funds to implement his or her community project idea in Roanoke.
February’s micro-grant winner, the Renaissance Academy, used the funds to take a group of young, local African-American men to Atlanta to tour colleges and visit cultural sites. According to Jerel Rhodes, founder and director of Renaissance Academy, being part of the event also helped his group make other community connections. “As the winner of last year’s SOUP, we applied all of the funds towards transportation and lodging for 35 young men. SOUP was the biggest contributor to this project and it continued to open doors at Winter (X)po ‘15 for others to hear the need and support the program.
But the winner is not the only presenter who benefits. Even the projects that don’t win the money receive recognition and encouragement. In February, REACH’s Tim Dayton presented his idea for a block party for the Southeast Roanoke community but did not win the top vote. Despite that, Dayton says being a presenter “helped us to formulate a plan and work on the presentation. Although the money would have been a bonus, it was a chance for us to share what we do and who we are in the greater community.” R.E.A.C.H. held its Southeast neighborhood block party in August, because as Dayton said, “it was never about the money — a good idea is always worth doing.”
Detroit SOUP was the first of this kind of micro-grant community meal and played a significant role in the efforts to revitalize the city of Detroit. Since then, the concept has been replicated globally. Now, Roanoke resident and one of the people behind Thriving Places Project (a web resource for community development practitioners), Brad Stephens, has brought it to Roanoke.
This micro-granting dinner celebrates and supports diverse community projects that can range thematically among art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurism, education, technology and more. Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea and then will answer four questions from the audience. Applications to present were accepted through September 21.
The second Big Lick SOUP event will take place at Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6 – 8 p.m. Food will be generously provided by local vendors.
