Thesis (M.A.)--University of Florida, 2003. / Title from title page of source document. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 260 p.: ill. (some col.). Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: Christine Ballengee Morris, Dept. of Art Education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 236-246).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1984. / Also availalbe in microfilm.

Community Development Finance refers to the vast array of financial services and products created and delivered specifically to those individuals and groups that are not being served by traditional financial institutions. While this is not a new field, with some Community Development organizations in existence for decades, it is certainly an evolving one. There is a wide variety of products and models for this type of work, catering to the myriad needs of different communities. However, almost by nature, these individual organizations remain highly localized and operate on small scales of economic development. This report examines three major types of community development financing, spanning the public and private sector, as well as traditional and evolving products. The models examined will be Community Development Finance Institutions, New Markets Tax Credits and Social Impact Investing. A thorough description of each type of financing will be followed by an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. Once the merits and challenges of each model are identified, this report will examine different methods of scale, highlighting the adaptability to each model. / text

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Social Work and Social Administration / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Urban communities are undergoing a period of rapid change prompting concerns about community fragmentation. By building social cohesion and revitalizing civic participation, community development is viewed by many as a remedy to offset the weakening of community ties. This thesis explores how a community agency- based worker might help a fragmented community (re)build itself. By employing a single case study methodology, this thesis applies community development theories and related concepts to examine how a multicultural neighbourhood in east Vancouver mobilized community action. The case study found that a community capacity building framework, when supplemented with other community development tools, is an effective model for strengthening community leadership and building social connections. The study draws attention to the different kinds of social and cultural capital required to develop neighbourhood solidarity and bridge cultural differences in creating an inclusive community building process. The community worker was based in a unique form of community agency called a neighbourhood house. By providing resources needed for encouraging leadership and developing social connectedness the neighbourhood house was found to be a key asset for building community capacity. However, the study revealed that a neighbourhood house's participation in community building is constrained by the multiple community roles and relationships that it must maintain to ensure operational funding and a stance of political neutrality in its everyday dealings. The case study concludes with a set of recommendations for basing community development functions in a neighbourhood house.

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the effectiveness of community kitchens as an empowerment tool. This thesis observes the ways in which community kitchens empower their participants, how they are being used to foster community development, and the opportunities and constraints in using community kitchens as an empowerment tool. The research questions are addressed in a variety of ways. First, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to define the meaning of empowerment and community development as used by this thesis. Secondly, a multiple case study approach involving participant observation, key informant interviews and a survey was conducted to examine these questions. A total of seven community kitchens were involved in the case studies. The research suggests that community kitchens do empower participants but at an individual level. Participants learn skills such as cooperation, cooking and socialisation, and are empowered through self-help and by gaining confidence and self-esteem. At a community level, efforts have been made to empower the community and contribute to community building processes but with limited output. In some community kitchens, community development initiatives (such as volunteering to cook for a larger community) are in place but community kitchens as a whole has a minimal effect in creating community. Community kitchens, however, are effective at empowering individuals which is considered the first step to community empowerment.

This is a study of the causes of the failure of the Community Development Program in India. The method used is a sample survey of all family heads in twenty-one villages in a rice producing area in West Bengal, combined with extensive qualitative interviewing of informants, government officials, and other relevant personnel. The study shows that a principal cause of the failure of the program is the steep system of stratification--in terms of economic resources, prestige, and power--that characterizes rural society in this area and the high degree of village fragmentation resulting, in part, from the caste system. The conclusion of the study is that the Community Development Program will be unable to attain its ends until a substantial redistribution of economic and political resources is carried out and a sustained attack on the caste system is made.

No description available.

Urban communities are undergoing a period of rapid change prompting concerns about community fragmentation. By building social cohesion and revitalizing civic participation, community development is viewed by many as a remedy to offset the weakening of community ties. This thesis explores how a community agency- based worker might help a fragmented community (re)build itself. By employing a single case study methodology, this thesis applies community development theories and related concepts to examine how a multicultural neighbourhood in east Vancouver mobilized community action. The case study found that a community capacity building framework, when supplemented with other community development tools, is an effective model for strengthening community leadership and building social connections. The study draws attention to the different kinds of social and cultural capital required to develop neighbourhood solidarity and bridge cultural differences in creating an inclusive community building process. The community worker was based in a unique form of community agency called a neighbourhood house. By providing resources needed for encouraging leadership and developing social connectedness the neighbourhood house was found to be a key asset for building community capacity. However, the study revealed that a neighbourhood house's participation in community building is constrained by the multiple community roles and relationships that it must maintain to ensure operational funding and a stance of political neutrality in its everyday dealings. The case study concludes with a set of recommendations for basing community development functions in a neighbourhood house.