Upping the Ante
Achieving ambitious results requires expanding the most effective programs — taking them from “good to great” — while filling gaps with the most proven, evidence-based practices.
This paper offers detailed suggestions for leaders of multisector initiatives working to generate collective impact on local community issues. It focuses on the critical early phases of the work and tackling issues such as poverty, education and workforce preparation. Topics such as cultivating leaders, creating a “backbone” organization, using data, engaging the community and promoting equitable opportunity are discussed. This paper will be of interest to funders, nonprofit leaders, policymakers and civic leaders interested in improving their communities.
Multisector collective-impact collaboratives are urgently needed in communities across the country to improve systems and services that better meet the needs of children and families. Pulling together public and nonprofit systems and services to work collectively is a complicated task that requires smart up-front planning and decision making, and an ability to adjust course throughout the initiative.