About The Springfield Project

To support collaborative community problem-solving that leads to the holistic revitalization of under-resourced Springfield neighborhoods.

To unite Springfield as a community by working to improve quality of life throughout its neighborhoods.

We focus on long-term pathways rather than one-time services. Our programs combine space, training, capital access, and partnerships to help individuals and neighborhoods move forward sustainably.

Founded in 1996, The Springfield Project (TSP) has spent nearly three decades working to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity across Springfield. 

A delegation of 40 community members visited Atlanta, Georgia to observe The Atlanta Project – an initiative founded by former President Jimmy Carter prior to the 1996 Olympic Games. This delegation included a cross-section of people from government, financial institutions, residents and religious leaders who wanted to bring back ideas for positive social impact. 

Many factors impact TSP’s activities, including the strategic objectives of partnering organizations and businesses. Most importantly, TSP works alongside the residents of identified neighborhoods to establish goals and take action where the residents most desire. TSP matches its objectives to available funding sources to meet identified needs as opportunities arise.

Currently, TSP’s primary focus is on the Southtown neighborhood – a historical neighborhood in Springfield, IL with a growing neighborhood association; chosen for its position as the “gateway” to downtown, and its history as a formerly thriving business corridor. The boundaries for this neighborhood are MLK blvd. to 11th St. and S. Grand to Cook St. For TSP’s purposes, an expanded boundary is used that includes one additional block each direction. This boundary encompasses Pine St. to the 10th St. Rail and Edwards St. .to 19th St. Future geographic areas of focus may include other neighborhoods whose needs are mission-aligned.

TSP works with a “family” of non-profit organizations to fulfill its mission. The president of TSP, Dominic Watson, also serves as the president of TSP-HOPE and the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce. TSP-HOPE, a future Community Development Financial Institution and CHDA, historically hosted a home ownership program. These organizations work together to fulfill the needs and requirements of specific initiatives and to fulfill The Springfield Project’s vision of uniting Springfield as a community by working to improve quality of life throughout its neighborhoods.

 Throughout our history, community voice has remained at the center of how we design programs, partnerships, and spaces. 

1. We commit to focusing on underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods, focusing on the needs and desires of low-income and/or minoritized residents.
2. We commit to empowering residents to identify opportunities and solutions within their neighborhoods.
3. We commit to supporting solutions that serve the physical, social, economic, and environmental needs of under-resourced neighborhoods.
4. We commit to encouraging unity, camaraderie, and mutual support across all Springfield neighborhoods.
5. We commit to maintaining a board structure that is reflective of the neighborhoods it serves.
6. We commit to collaborating with diverse groups of people across a variety of sectors and organizations throughout the community.