Rebuild Announces Nonprofits Qualified to Manage Improvements to Parks, Recreation Centers and Libraries

PHILADELPHIA –  Today, Rebuilding Community Infrastructure (Rebuild) announced that 21 local nonprofits have been qualified as Project Users, the entities responsible for managing Rebuild projects.  These qualified nonprofits, which were selected through a Request for Qualification process, will be eligible to apply for Rebuild grants.  Grantees will work closely with the City and with local businesses to make improvements to select Parks and Recreation and Free Library of Philadelphia facilities.

The following nonprofits will serve as the first cohort of Project Users:

  • Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM);
  • Beech Interplex Inc.;
  • Boys & Girls Club;
  • Community Ventures;
  • Diversified Community Services;
  • Fairmount Park Conservancy;
  • Free Library Foundation;
  • Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia;
  • HACE;
  • Impact Services Corporation;
  • Mt. Airy USA;
  • New Kensington CDC;
  • Nicetown CDC;
  • Pennsylvania Horticultural Society;
  • People’s Emergency Center;
  • Public Health Management Corp;
  • Spring Garden CDC;
  • The Enterprise Center;
  • The Universal Companies;
  • Trust for Public Land; and
  • Urban Roots.

“We’re excited to announce the first cohort of Project Users. We believe that this group of nonprofits will be excellent partners to the City and to Philadelphia residents.  Collectively, these organizations have decades of experience in design and construction and deep engagement with neighborhoods, and a commitment to our historic diversity and inclusion goals,” said Rebuild Executive Director Nicole Westerman.  “These are nonprofits we can rely on to transform parks, recreation centers and libraries across Philadelphia.  We are looking forward to getting started on projects next year.”

In total, Rebuild received 31 responses to its Request for Qualification (RFQ) for Project Users and qualified 21.  Of the 21 qualified Project Users:

  • 9 are Community Development Corporations (CDCs);
  • 12 serve specific neighborhoods and 9 serve the entire city; and
  • 6 were approved as part of a partnership with another entity.

To be qualified as a Project User, Philadelphia-based nonprofits had to meet the following requirements:

  • Project experience: successful completion of design and construction on up to three projects over the last five years with a total value of $1 million or more;
  • Community outreach/engagement: experience working meaningfully with communities in the support and development of projects;
  • Project relationship: a current or proposed relationship with one or more potential Rebuild sites;
  • Fiscal responsibility: demonstrated capability to manage government or foundation grant funds of at least $1 million successfully and responsibly; documented plan for compliance with program financial management requirements; and
  • Diversity and inclusion: ability to implement an Economic Opportunity Plan; and evidence of and/or commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Rebuild will host several orientation sessions for Project Users this winter.

This is the first round of qualifications for Project Users.  An RFQ for Project Users will be issued on an annual or biennial basis to ensure that a wide range of nonprofits that serve diverse communities across the city have the opportunity to manage projects in the in which they work.  Additionally, there are opportunities for nonprofits that are not Project Users to work on Rebuild projects as partners or contractors to Project Users.

Project Users must submit updated information, including financial documentation, annually to remain qualified.

Rebuild
Rebuild is a seven-year, $500 million investment in Philadelphia’s parks, recreation centers, playgrounds and libraries.  Proposed in Mayor Jim Kenney’s first budget as a part of his vision for a more equitable Philadelphia, Rebuild seeks to improve community spaces, empower and engage communities, and promote economic opportunity in the design and construction industries through diversity and inclusion.  Rebuild is a public private partnership made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

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