Our work at The Dunn Foundation is focused on four action areas:

• Educational programs aimed at increasing awareness of community character and the need to preserve and protect our special places, our communities. The Foundation is involved in curriculum development, including the development of our ViewFinders and ViewFinders Too curriculum materials for upper elementary and middle school students. The Foundation also conducts teacher workshops and training sessions.

• Projects in support of non-profits, educators, communities and schools across the country whose programs and missions are similar to the Foundation’s mission and goals. We have provided support in funds and technical assistance to a range of non-profit educational endeavors including development of related curricula.

• Research and the development of publications relevant to community appearance and the visual environment. Research is undertaken to guide the Foundation on progressive future actions in support of our mission. Our research project entitled Retrofitting Sububia is producing a lively discussion of cost effective design options for reclaiming visually blighted suburban commercial areas and nearby residential neighborhoods as visually appealing people-friendly zones.

• Collaboration with other organizations to develop programs and resources for communities and teachers. We are reaching out to other organizations and funders who have similar or related missions to develop affinity funding groups. We routinely provide information and encouragement to groups seeking support for community projects aimed at retrofitting visually blighted areas. If appropriate we also provide contacts for additional sources of assistance by offering information about community projects to other grant-makers.