Crystal Tutors Tutors Come To You

In Crystal, Minnesota, just west of Minneapolis, some city providers in the early 2000s were frustrated at not having a financing vehicle to quickly fund city improvement projects. To provide a solution, former Mayor Pete Meinstma, at the end of his second term in 2004, created the Crystal Fund for Community Progress, Inc. (CFCP), a non-profit organization that can receive donations. Funds are then used to improve Crystal’s parks and open spaces. The projects have the ripple effect of strengthening neighborhoods, since it gets volunteers outdoors and working together. Crystal tutors and students, city workers and clergy may find themselves working side by side as they make progress toward a common goal.

The beauty of the fund is that it can finance projects that stretch beyond the city’s budget. Individuals and groups can make tax-deductible donations to the fund and designate their contribution toward a specific project. The non-profit also hosts fundraisers, such as a plant sale in the spring.

The organization accepts grant requests and proposals from Crystal residents, neighborhood associations, organizations, and businesses. An all-volunteer board of directors determines how the funds should be spent. Some past and current events and projects for the group are as follows:

– Plant sale at the Crystal Community Center in the spring, with proceeds used to fund improvements in the local parks and open spaces

– Annual “Bee-Friendly” flower planting in the spring

– Community landscaping events to spruce up various neighborhoods

– Planting of trees for annual Arbor Day event

– A native, prairie-themed garden at Becker Park

– Bassett Creek Park spring cleanup

– Bassett Creek Park off-leash dog park

– Improvements at Memory Lane Pond, including a stone pathway, interpretive signage, and shoreline naturalizations

– ADA adaptive swings at Bassett Creek and North Lions parks

– Little Free Libraries established in the parks

– Contributions to the city’s master planning process

In partnership with the CFCP, a social group, the Light of Crystal, has been created. The group is an online social group that allows Crystal residents to plan events, get to know their neighbors, and raise funds for the non-profit. The Light of Crystal also meets in person somewhere in the city for a happy hour on the 15th of each month.

CFCP plays an important role in the quality of life in Crystal, not only because the projects improve the city, but also because participation helps people to connect with each other and nurture leadership. Benefits can be as far-reaching as new friends, close-knit neighborhoods, less crime, and city pride. Crystal is a great place to live and work, with awesome parks, shopping, cultural activities, schools, and support services like tutoring, and joining with other Crystal residents to make the town even better will reap rewards for everyone.