Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Building Blocks improving neighborhoods ‘block by block’ in Kalamazoo

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Building Blocks in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Home and block improvements

Building Blocks is a nonprofit organization that funds exterior home improvements in historically marginalized areas of Kalamazoo, working “block by block” to foster neighborhood relationships and empower residents.

The organization was conceptualized in 1995 at Kalamazoo College in a sociology course taught by Dr. Kim Cummings, who wanted to provide community organizing experience for students in concert with already-existing efforts of neighborhood associations serving some of Kalamazoo’s low to moderate-income neighborhoods.

“The idea was rooted in two simple principles: collaboration and self-help,” says T. Moore, Executive Director of Building Blocks of Kalamazoo. “Dr. Cummings saw that students could learn about community organizing while working alongside residents to address real needs in Kalamazoo neighborhoods. Now, neighbors who may have barely known one another begin working together, solving problems together, and building the trust and confidence to continue doing so.”

Over the years the participation demographics have changed from students to residents taking charge of programs and projects.

Building Blocks’ core programs include:

• Catalyst Program -- A 14-week initiative where neighbors plan and collaborate on exterior home-improvement projects.
• Block Action Groups -- Resident-led groups that continue planning community projects and safety improvements for up to two years.
• Safety Initiatives -- Community-driven programs providing solar lights, RING cameras, and porch safety improvements.

“In one of our recent Catalyst sites, residents who initially came into the program not knowing each other at all began working side by side on home improvement and neighborhood projects,” Moore says. “Over time, they developed enough trust and connection to continue meeting and working together after the initial program ended. What started as a handful of neighbors completing projects became an ongoing group with its own ideas about how to improve their block.”

Participants and volunteers revitalize neighborhoods by working together on home improvement and community projects that help enhance their neighborhoods, such as: garden beds, fencing, landscaping rock, mulch, native plants, walkway pavers, rain barrels, RING doorbells, solar lights, community gardens, security lights, mailboxes, porch repair, gravel driveway work, brush removal, door replacement, community clean-up projects, and more.

In 2025 alone, Building Blocks worked with 259 participant households across 18 Block Action Groups. Residents and volunteers contributed more than 4,000 hours and completed 945 neighborhood beautification and safety projects.

Ongoing improvements with Block Action Groups

Blocks that participate in the Catalyst Program can remain involved with Building Blocks by becoming a Block Action Group. Residents in these groups come together to create events and plan community or individual home projects for up to two years.

The work of Building Blocks builds and strengthens social capital, resident resilience, and increases civic engagement.

“Old National's support has helped Building Blocks put resources directly into the hands of residents and resident groups working to improve their neighborhoods,” Moore says. “We are especially grateful for partners like Old National who recognize that strong neighborhoods aren't built by any one organization -- they're built through collaboration among residents, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community partners who care for our community.”

Together, these partnerships through the Old National Bank Foundation help individuals and families in Kalamazoo improve homes and the local social fabric of communities.

“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”

To learn more about Building Blocks, click here. (external link)

Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation click here.