History

Founded in August 2003, the New Community Project is a small nonprofit organization with a big goal: to change the world. What needs changing? Lots, but we focus on living more responsibly with the earth and more fairly toward people at the margins of global society. NCP was begun out of the interest and support of people from across the US, and continues to attract people from across the age spectrum and with a broad array of interests. Our approach is somewhat unique: While some groups try to affect the government or focus on doing good for our neighbors, we offer resources that challenge us, experiences that change us, and a community that gives us hope.

NCP's current director (David Radcliff) was a key figure in bringing the organization into being, as he had worked at these issues for many years in a national church organization. Along with him, individuals from across the country provided moral and monetary support for the launching of NCP, and by October 2003 the first Advisory Board meeting was held at University Park Church of the Brethren, whose pastor, Kim McDowell, was a key collaborator and became the first board chair. By year's end, NCP had registered as a nonprofit organization and had enough funds on hand to pay staff and provide a cushion for the next year. The original board consisted of: Kim McDowell, Al Hansell, Larry Lesh, Matt Boyer, Megan Siegel, Andy Loomis, and Robert Neff.

Based in Elgin, IL, NCP now has a network of over 8000 individuals in the US and beyond; has program partners in seven countries (including Hindu, Buddhist and secular partner organizations); sponsors Learning Tours to four continents; supports girls' education, women's development, and reforestation and rainforest preservation through its special funds; provides a wide variety of print and web-based resources; and has a program staff of eight people--three full-time and the others part-time or volunteer. Director David Radcliff lives in Elgin, IL but travels extensively around the US and abroad in the context of his work. Tom Benevento, based in Harrisonburg, VA , works with NCP in the areas of sustainability, outreach to the marginalized in the community, and combating global warming. Other part-time and volunteer staff serve in a variety of capacities and are based around the country.

NCP has a special interest in connecting with youth and young adults, offering speakers at schools and colleges, a Solidarity Workers program for overseas involvement, seats on our Advisory Board for a youth and young adult member, and the opportunity for a two-year internship.

NCP is not directly affiliated with any larger institution or church body, but works collaboratively with various local, regional and national groups, both religious and secular. NCP receives the majority of its financial support from individual contributions, along with service fees and grants from congregations or other institutions.