Neighborhood Support Organizations focus their work around specific resident identified improvement initiatives that reinforce values and build social capital.

Neighborhood Support Organizations pursue activities that are community-driven with broad resident involvement. Their efforts develop the capacity of ordinary citizens to mobilize and become engaged in the decisions that affect them.

Neighborhood Support organizations pursue activities which focus on the strengths of residents and mobilize the assets of the community. They have strong core knowledge of community development philosophy and practice.

Neighborhood Support Organizations serve a targeted geographic area. They have a deep understanding of the neighborhood they are working in and their efforts are tailored to neighborhood scale and conditions

Neighborhood Support Organizations connect people to opportunities through community organizing and the development of social networks.

Neighborhood Support Organizations work collaboratively to link their work to the broader society to strengthen community institutions and enhance outside opportunities for residents.

Neighborhood Support Organizations have a comprehensive view of their targeted neighborhood. NSO’s tackle high priority issues (identified by residents) to build confidence and capacity without losing sight of the big picture. The NSO links it efforts over time and with partners to create sustainable community change in the economic, civic, social and physical aspects of the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Support Organizations are convenient, accessible and flexible. They employ staff that are culturally competent and reflect the diversity of the community they serve.

Neighborhood Support Organizations are a recognized part of the civic infrastructure of the target community. Staff and volunteers are deeply involved in the life of the community.

Neighborhood Support Organizations work collaboratively with others to solve community problems and take the lead when necessary to motivate community change.