History

Founded in August 2003, the New Community Project is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to help US Christians and society at large begin to live more responsibly and justly, especially towards the earth and towards people at the margins of global society. NCP was begun as grassroots movement of people from across the US who felt that the need for an organization devoted to the issues mentioned above, especially as it would focus on educating and challenging individuals and groups to be more active in their own practices and in engaging others through their words and actions (in contrast to organizations whose main focus is on issues and institutions "out there," such as legislative advocacy or feeding the hungry).

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 6000 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, and provides a Solidarity Workers program offering opportunities for short-term service abroad.

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.