The Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation (FNDC) was established in 2002 to improve quality of life in the Francisville community through various programs. Led by Executive Director Penelope Giles, FNDC began by organizing neighborhood meetings and establishing development review processes. Over the years, FNDC has implemented numerous initiatives like youth programs, urban farming, parks creation, and job training to address issues like high vacancy rates, lack of safety and businesses, and low property values. FNDC has grown from an all-volunteer organization to employing neighborhood residents through programs like its land maintenance crew, while continuing its mission of revitalizing the Francisville community.

2. The Francisville Neighborhood
Development Corporation
“FNDC” est. 2002
Mission: The mission of the Francisville NDC is to improve the quality of
life in the Francisville community through Commercial and Residential
Development; implement programs designed to develop youth, aid senior
citizens, generally invest in the people of Francisville and our aim is to be a
resource for information and communication, insuring that all residents can have
an active role in the growth and development of their community.

3. Why?

4. In 2002 there were over 400 vacant lots within our
neighborhood boundaries that looked like this.
Something had to change!
15th and Cambridge. 19130. 2008

5. It didn’t feel safe anymore
Businesses left
There were no jobs
Property values were low
Drop out rates were high

6. The organizations Founder and current Executive Director,
Penelope “Jordan” Giles, began by enlisting the help of a
few of her immediate neighbors, long time friends and
some new residents.
In the early days they met at each other’s homes and at
neighborhood community facilities. They established
regular community meetings and a process to review and
vote on Development Projects.
Working out of her home from 2002 – 2011, Penelope
remained the constant in the
“Moving Francisville Forward” equation.
Lots of stuff was done!

7. 2003 – 2004 Established regular community meetings and development review and voting process,
Applied for our 501c3 status, Implemented the welcome to Francisville Community Festival
2004 – 2005 Engaged the Neighborhood in a planning process to craft the Ridge Avenue Revitalization
Plan assisted by U-Penn school of Architecture
2006 – 2007 Engaged the Neighborhood in a planning process to craft the The Comprehensive
Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, Moving Francisville Forward “a blueprint for the future” assisted by
Interface Studio, funded by Wachovia Regional Foundation. Began plan implementation.
2007 – 2010 Organized a Clean & Green Volunteer team and stabilized all our vacant land,
Implemented the FYC-3 youth program, Implemented the F-NEMP program, were awarded plan
implementation funding from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation. Went from a 100% volunteer
organization to a staffed organization. Planted over 100 trees. Acquired several private landscaping
contracts. Established the Francisville Urban Farm & Orchard, Created Ogden Park.
2011 – Present Moved into our office @ 1708 Ridge Avenue 19130, secured properties on Ridge
Avenue for Development. Received approval for 1st Phase Development. Partnered with How
Properties to do Development Project. Received a Corridor Cleaning Contract from the Commerce
Department. Launched the F.V.P.L. Manufacturing Division. Established the Francisville Farmers
Market, Established Jazz at the Market (free) Summer Concert Series. Implemented a Neighborhood
residential and commercial street cleaning program.
FNDC Bench Marks

8. Penelope (left) Ali “Fred” Snead (right). Ali is one of FNDC’s
Founding Members and was on the Board of Directors from
2002 – 2010. Photo taken on a beautiful spring morning @
Ogden Park est. 2008-2010.

9. Ogden Park @ 20th and Ogden Street
Visit: friendsofogdenpark.org

10. There were over 100 residents signed up for the
Francisville Clean & Green Volunteer Team
From 2008 – 2010 we were out every Saturday
cleaning vacant lots!
With the help of the City Streets Department we removed
countless tons of debris from our neighborhood!

11. Before
After
After
It takes a tremendous amount of resources to maintain our vacant land! This is critical to
keeping the neighborhood clean & safe! It must be done on a regular and consistent basis!
“Blight breeds blight and causes fright especially at night”

12. Increased Economic Diversity makes it possible for
FNDC to train and employ youth and adults providing a pathway away
from or out of crime.

13. F-NEMP Crew…
Francisville Natural Environment Maintenance Program
Provides training and employment for adults and in turn they provide cleaning and landscaping
services in the Francisville Neighborhood and beyond!

14. Hum.. So much to
do with so little
resources!
Funding our
work…..

15. CDC’s have traditionally relied on fundraising, grants and public
dollars to do the work that lays the foundation for neighborhood
revitalization however, those sources are always highly
competitive, require a lot of time to write proposals to only be
denied 9 times out of 10!
Those are horrible odds!
Meanwhile, you still have to keep cleaning, greening, developing,
marketing, planning, having meetings, events, implementing
stuff, etcetera!
There had to be a better more sustainable way to raise money so
we’ve implemented programs that serve many purposes while
earning us funds to continue the work we do!

16. When you purchase our products or
services you become a partner in
rebuilding the lives and families of
the people in the neighborhood
who need it the most.