Camden County

Create communities of the future with community development education and resources from University of Missouri Extension.

What is Community Development?

Community development is the activity of assisting communities in their attempts to reach their goals in making the community a better place to live, work, and visit. It involves assistance in decision making, leadership development, collection and analyzing information, securing funds, and many other efforts. Others activities may involve actions in planning and zoning, sub-division regulations, educational seminars, workshops, housing, tourism, and beautification efforts. Related activities may also include environmental issues, urban development, infrastructure planning, recreational needs, educational services, transportation, and land use actions.

The role of the community development specialist is not to take sides on an issue, but to provide information that will help people make informed decisions. This may be done through media activities, educational workshops, public hearings, or other means of communication. A better informed public will make better decisions. The specialist attempts to bring all segments of the population into the decision making process on issues of mutual concern.

  Grantwriting/Contracting Resources

• The Non-Proft Gateway:  Resources for non-profit organizations, including links to  federal departments, information   clearinghouses, and resources on management and policy
• IKNOW - This site by Raffa and Associates of Washington D.C. has information on a number of issues relative to non-profit organizations, including strategic planning, fundraising, governance, human resources, and legal issues.
• Firstgov:  The only official U.S. Government portal to 30 million pages of government information, services, and online transactions.
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance:  Contains financial and nonfinancial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.
• Department of Rural Development, USDA:  Grant and loan opportunities for rural communities.
• Division of Purchasing and Materials Management, State of Missouri:  Contracting site with the State of MO.
• Foundation Center:  Information and clearinghouse for Foundation Grants

  Related Community Development Links

• North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
• Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
• Community & Economic Development Research & Information Center (CEDRIC)
• Missouri Housing Development Commission
• Community Development Society
• ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools
• Access Minnesota Main Street
• International Association of Facilitators
• National Civic Review
• Search Institute
• The Rocky Mountain Institute Newsletter
• Community Associations Institute
• Social Capital for Development - This World Bank site is dedicated to the idea that social capital (social cohesion) is critical for the alleviation of poverty and the sustainable human and economic development.  In addition to papers, the library, and PovertyNet newsletter, the site also addresses such practical measures as how to define and measure social capital.
• Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University - includes much of the work of Kretzmann and McKnight, forerunners of the asset-based community development movement.
• Institute for Volunteering Research - If you're looking for information on working with volunteers, this is the place to start.  The site includes the Voluntary Action journal, research bulletins, and an library with resources on numerous related topics.
• LISC On-Line Resource Library - a web-based resource for community development practitioners funded by HUD and the National Community Development Initiative.   Sections and topic areas include: best practices, child care, communications, community security, economic development, homeownership, legal issues, new markets tax credit, organizational development, public assets, public funding, and youth and education.
• Missouri TeleCenter Network

Missouri-wide Community Development Resources

• University of Missouri Extension Community Development main page
• Extension Publications Search for community development information.
• MU Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis
• Alianzas Learn how to bridge cultural differences in your community.
• Community Development Academy Explore ideas to empower your community.
• Community Policy Analysis Center Find information to support local decision making.
• EXCEL Develop leadership talents in your community.
• Fire and Rescue Training Institute
• Food Circles Networking Project Assure local food supplies.
• Law Enforcement Training Institute
• Local Government CECH-UP Teach young people about their community.
• Industrial Assessment Center - Saving Energy in Missouri: manage energy costs of public buildings.

Note: Links to commercial websites do not imply endorsement.

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		University of Missouri Extension  Camden County Center camdenco@missouri.edu Site maintained by: Diane Kandel, kandeld@missouri.edu Updated 08/29/07