Queens SOUP Seeks Proposals to Address Neighborhood Needs

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce invites grassroots groups, local institutions, residents, and small businesses to submit proposals to improve their neighborhood. The best proposals will be selected for competition in Queens SOUP, a crowdfunded microgranting community dinner where participants vote for the one they feel will have the biggest impact. The 2018 Queens SOUP is scheduled for April 15, 5-7pm, at the Flushing Quaker Meeting House, located at 137-16 Northern Blvd in Flushing NY 11354.

Queens SOUP is modelled on Detroit SOUP, which started in 2010 as a way for local business owners and residents in Detroit to address neighborhood needs that were often ignored by government. Since then, SOUP events have taken place all over the country as a way to increase innovative, grassroots economic development and civic engagement by altering the crowdfunding model to include an in-person community dinner.

“SOUP brings together local residents and business owners to address community needs under the banner of self-reliance and collective action,” stated John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing SOUP to Queens, we hope to jump start innovative, grassroots economic development and civic engagement in America’s most diverse county.”

Queens SOUP provides seed funding and promotional opportunities to local projects positively impacting the borough. Now in its third year, Queens SOUP has used an annual potluck dinner to raise roughly $1,000 for Queens-based community projects each year since 2016. Any community initiative based in Queens can apply for a chance to win no-strings-attached funding. The deadline is March 4, 2018 and the registration form is online at flushingchamber.nyc/soup.

Four projects will be chosen to present their plans during Queens SOUP, a potluck dinner, sponsored by local restaurants, where for a $5 donation attendees eat, learn, and vote for one of the four projects they think will have the most significant impact on our community. At the end of the dinner, ballots are counted and all of the money collected at the door, plus additional funds from outside sponsors, is awarded to the project with the most votes. Projects can focus on a range of community needs, including arts and culture, civil rights, small business assistance, children's programming, neighborhood beautification, and environmental remediation.

“If winning money for your grassroots community project, and getting the check in your hands on the same day sounds good to you, SOUP might be for you!” explains Cody Herrmann, Queens SOUP Coordinator. ”Queens SOUP is a great chance to get involved with and invest in your neighborhood, submit ideas and initiatives to better the borough online by March 4, 2018.”

In 2017, Queens SOUP attendees voted to awarded $1000 to the Lewis H. Latimer House Museum for their Summer Tinker Lab, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM) education program taught by teaching artist Karioki Crosby for local children from the Latimer Gardens Community Center. Funds were used to expand access to the Tinker Lab for low-income families.

“Queens SOUP was a great opportunity for Latimer House to connect with our community and build relationships through a unique grass-root crowdfunding philosophy,” said Ran Yan, Program Director at the Lewis H. Latimer House Museum. “The recognition coming from Queens SOUP is gratifying and motivates us to continue advancing our mission and expand access to Tinker Lab’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) education to the low-income kids.”

Queens SOUP is currently seeking sponsors and community partners interested in supporting innovative grassroots programming and civic participation throughout Queens. Businesses and community groups can get involved by matching funds; making in-kind donations of food, supplies, or giveaway and raffle items; or volunteering and contributing to programming during SOUP. Those interested in sponsoring Queens SOUP, or getting involved as a community partner can contact cody@flushingchamber.nyc.

Past community partners and sponsors of Queens SOUP include: Green Earth Urban Gardens Inc., Danny's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, Dosa Hutt, New Asian Food, Hydroponic Garden Centers, Flushing Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), GrowNYC, Queens Natural Meats, B&B Beverage Distributors, Donate NYC, Starbucks, and Wonderflies.

Application open through March 4, 2018: tinyurl.com/queenssoup18

RSVP on Facebook: fb.com/events/213313445880818/

RSVP or make individual donations on Eventbrite: queenssoup2018.eventbrite.com

For more information, visit flushingchamber.nyc/soup and Queens SOUP Photos.