Reinvest North County: A Celebration of Progress

Is Recognized By St. Louis Business Council

The St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC) on Nov. 16 recognized the progress and impact of the Reinvest North County Fund. To date, there have been 10 rounds of funding to support schools and small businesses in Ferguson and surrounding communities, totaling $950,000.

Initially organized as an immediate business response to the August 2014 civil unrest in Ferguson and surrounding communities, the Reinvest North County Fund proved to be an important vehicle for providing much needed support to the schools and businesses. This final allocation of funds brings the conclusion of a successful effort to make an immediate and impactful difference in the lives of residents in the community.

Not only will the RBC continue to help as part of their ongoing agenda, but many other organizations have stepped up to assist in the recovery work. A number of other initiatives are also in place to help carry this important work forward.

In partnership with North County Incorporated (NCI), the Fund was created to raise money to help numerous area small businesses and four school districts. The RBC and NCI also partnered with the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation to provide administrative support for the Fund.

“Hundreds of donors came forward to support the fund. We wanted to show the residents that St. Louis cares. Now many organizations such as the United Way, the Urban League, Better Family Life, Forward Thru Ferguson and so many others are on the ground addressing the issues that must be addressed,” said Kathy Osborn, executive director of the St. Louis Regional Business Council. “Now as we close the Reinvest Fund we want to encourage donors to give to these organizations. I can assure you that the RBC will continue to invest our time and money in this community.”

Funding to help the children, families and staff was provided to four school districts: Riverview Gardens School District, Jennings School District, Ferguson-Florissant School District, and the Normandy Schools Collaborative. From food pantries, clothing and transportation, to robotics and coding instruction, college preparation, science books and supplies, meeting the needs in school has been top priority.

Fifty-five businesses received crisis assistance to repair and rebuild, as well as support for owners to attend capacity building workshops in finance, human resources, law, insurance, marketing and public relations. The St. Louis Economic Partnership has been a vital public sector partner in this work. Fifty businesses remain in operation.

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