Neighborhoods and communities across the country are getting familiar with a new kind of civic engagement and philanthropic approach: place-based initiatives. Simply put, these efforts focus on making improvements in specific communities. They target the needs in the neighborhoods and develop comprehensive plans with community residents to address critical areas such as housing, education and jobs.
Los Angeles is no stranger to place-based work as it is now home to over a dozen programs funded by public agencies, private foundations and businesses. With so much activity going on in our region, how can we maximize the various efforts, leverage funding and ensure good results?
One important strategy that has evolved from local place-based work is the LA Place-Based Learning Group. For over two years, Cause Communications, in partnership with the Center for Place-Based Initiatives, has been facilitating key funders in Los Angeles in order to promote best practices and build a locally-grounded base of knowledge. With closed sessions for members and open sessions for all interested funders, the Learning Group brings outside experts to address issues that initiatives are facing and provides the time and space for funders to exchange ideas and collaborate.
Recently highlighted at the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative’s national conference, in Washington DC, the LA Place-Based Learning Group is ahead of the curve. Nowhere else across the country are funders coming together on a regular basis to share their problems, learn from each other and, ultimately, strengthen their work in communities. Cause Communications is proud to be a convener and innovator of this work.
Interested funders may contact jkern@hersheycause.com, for more information.
By Jan Kern, Senior Advisor