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News September 25, 2019

Reinvestment Fund Announces New Initiatives Honoring Jeremy Nowak

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Philadelphia, Sept 24, 2019—Reinvestment Fund today announced three new initiatives in memory of its founding Executive Director, Jeremy Nowak. Jeremy led Reinvestment Fund for 26 years, establishing a powerful vision for strong, equitable communities. The initiatives honor key aspects of Jeremy’s life work.

“We at Reinvestment Fund were fortunate to have witnessed and learned from Jeremy’s genius for so many years,” Don Hinkle-Brown, President and CEO of Reinvestment Fund. “In designing these initiatives, we want to memorialize his legacy and encourage work that advances his life’s pursuits.”

The new initiatives are:

  • Jeremy Nowak Memorial Lecture – a lecture series in partnership with the Penn Institute for Urban Research. The lecture series will feature topics connecting academic and applied aspects of urban development, a combination that Jeremy so uniquely exemplified.
  • Creative Placemaking Fund – a seed capital fund for community-based arts and culture projects. Inspired by Jeremy’s vision, housed at Reinvestment Fund and investing in creative placemaking projects that build social cohesion and foster community revitalization.
  • Nowak Fellowship – a year-long fellowship, housed at Reinvestment Fund, supporting a pre-graduate school fellow with an interest in building strong, healthy, and more equitable communities through capital, analytics and expertise.

“Everyone who knew Jeremy learned rapidly that he was bigger than life.  A roman candle of prodigious ideas and initiatives that were equal measure prescient, practical and productive.  It was an honor — and always fun – to work in partnership with him,” said John S. Summers, former Reinvestment Fund Board Chair, longtime Board member and lawyer with Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller. “I’m delighted to see Reinvestment Fund roll out these initiatives that celebrate Jeremy and continue his life’s work.”

Reinvestment Fund will also provide support to Metro IAF in Jeremy’s memory. Early in Jeremy’s career, he trained and worked as an organizer in Philadelphia supporting communities to use their power for change. Reinvestment Fund will provide resources for a mid-career leader who seeks to transition from a related field, into leadership as a community organizer. Further details will be forthcoming from Metro IAF.

The Jeremy Nowak Memorial Lecture will take place on January 31, 2020 and will feature Bruce Katz of the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University, Rob Stephany of Heinz Endowments, Anne Fadullon of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Planning and Development, and Brian Murray of Shift Capital.

 

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About Reinvestment Fund

Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in underserved communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in underserved neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

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