Application Review Phase

NeighborWorks America accepts applications from established community-based housing and community development organizations to affiliate as chartered members of the national NeighborWorks network.

Applications are available annually in January. For your organization's application to be considered in 2008, you must complete an Initial Affiliation Application by 5 p.m. EST on March 31, 2008.

Nonprofit organizations that focus on community revitalization and the production of affordable housing are encouraged to submit applications. Demonstration of local need and the quality and completeness of the application are significant factors in our evaluation. In addition, we consider the degree to which the applicant has either the demonstrated ability or the capacity to:

• Build and maintain active, working partnerships among the residents, business and financial institutions and local government
  
• Maintain a diverse board of directors reflecting the community's gender, racial, ethnic, and income composition
  
• Maintain a diverse staff in terms of gender, racial, ethnic, and linguistic composition as necessary for effective communications and positive community relations
  
• Designate a geographic territory for operations and demonstrate the capacity and resources to serve the designated area appropriately
  
• Analyze the community revitalization needs clearly, with active community participation, so that appropriate strategies are designed
  
• Assemble the financial commitments to support the operational and programmatic activities of the organization over time
  
• Create ongoing community revitalization in low- and moderate-income communities
  
• Collaborate with other organizations and service providers to avoid duplication of services
  
• Develop resident leaders and grassroots group
  
• Build and maintain strong management systems to ensure the successful delivery of programs and services

The application review phase could include an onsite visit from NeighborWorks America staff to determine eligibility for network membership.

Assessment Phase

Applicants that exhibit strong potential for membership in the network will be scheduled for an assessment. The goals of the assessment phase are to determine the extent to which the organizations' mission and programs are compatible with community needs, the level of widespread community support for the work of the organization, as well as the capacity to meet the requirements for network membership. The assessment phase will require the participation of the staff, board of directors, and other individuals who represent the partnership, and groups with which the organization has a collaborative relationship. This phase will include an onsite assessment conducted by a team of NeighborWorks America staff.

Based on the results of the onsite assessment, NeighborWorks America Corporation will recommend moving to the next phase of the affiliation process which is a chartering program review or will outline obstacles to proceeding with the affiliation process. If there are obstacles, NeighborWorks America will recommend strategies to solve deficiencies and improve performance.

NeighborWorks America may provide technical assistance to the organization to deal with concerns outlined during the onsite assessment. This assistance may include the coordination and facilitation of a series of workshops and committees to address organizational issues; orientation and/or training for the board of directors and staff; and access to technical services, training and conferences at the local, regional and national levels.

Chartering Program Review Phase

The purpose of the chartering program review is to confirm that the organization is operationally ready to meet corporate chartering requirements for network membership. Emphasizing organizational capacity and health as well as degree of risk, the program review staff conduct onsite evaluations of organizational performance in six key areas: planning, resource development, organizational oversight, management systems (consists of contract, personnel and financial management), production/program services, and technical operating systems. (These are known by the acronym PROMPT.)

Any performance and capacity issues resulting from the program review may require submission of a corrective action plan and remedy of corrective action before chartering can be finalized. The staff of the program review department is available for phone consultation with an applicant in advance of the program review so that the staff and the board can understand and prepare for the program review.

Agreement to Conditions to Charter

The final step in joining the national NeighborWorks network is the execution of a formal agreement with the NeighborWorks America Corporation to become a member. The "Agreement to Conditions of Charter" outlines the benefits and requirements in detail for membership. The agreement also includes the guidelines for use of the NeighborWorks service mark.