Initiatives

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The AYPROS Fund will provide strategic funding to projects that engage young Ashevillians in placemaking, innovation, and community development—placing the power of change directly in the hands of Asheville's future generation to make a difference today. Each summer, the AYPROS Foundation selects several projects from community submissions that will #MakeAshevilleAwesome. Prospective grantees include local non-profits, BIPOC businesses and more.

The Beer City Awards will be the largest annual fundraiser benefiting the AYPROS Fund. This event would bring together some of Asheville’s most dedicated movers and shakers who are working to make the city we love even better. The evening will be honoring individuals, companies and organizations who support AYPROS' mission to attract and retain young, creative talent to the Asheville region.

Bring it to Asheville is an initiative aimed at attracting high-paying jobs and businesses to the area. Asheville is well known for its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and thriving local community, but it faces a challenge in terms of its economy and job market, particularly when it comes to high-paying jobs. The goal of the initiative is to create a business-friendly environment and promote Asheville's unique qualities to address the scarcity of high-paying jobs in the region and support the growth of existing businesses. The success of the initiative relies on collaboration between stakeholders, including the community, business leaders, and policymakers, to make Asheville a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. 

Street Cred will be AYPROS’ annual community redevelopment project. Each year, AYPROS will focus on a different neighborhood or area of Asheville that has great potential for commercial and residential development. From downtown parking lots to underutilized streets, AYPROS will create popups to show how every inch of Asheville can thrive. The project will be a showcase of creative placemaking and community development, inspiring investment and revitalization in these communities. 

 828 Lead will be a bootcamp to prepare young Ashevillians to become qualified for Leadership Asheville. This program will provide a comprehensive curriculum to help participants develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in their communities and eligible for enrollment into Leadership Asheville. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, AYPROS hopes to create a pipeline of skilled and passionate leaders who can make a positive impact in Asheville. 

828 Vote will be AYPROS’ voter engagement campaign designed to get young professionals registered to vote, informed about upcoming elections, and out to the polls. Through creative campaigns and grassroots outreach efforts, AYPROS hopes to increase voter turnout among young people in Asheville. The campaign will be a powerful tool for empowering young voters and creating a more representative and engaged community.

Get on Board will be a program that places accepted AYPROS applicants in local nonprofit board internships. Applicants will be able to rank their preferences for nonprofits and serve for year-long terms. By providing hands-on experience in nonprofit governance, AYPROS hopes to create a generation of young leaders who are committed to improving their communities through effective nonprofit management. The program will be a powerful tool for empowering young leaders and creating positive change in Asheville.