Voices from the Field III: Lessons and Challenges for Foundations Based on Two Decades of Community Change Efforts

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· Building upon a previously published volume on Comprehensive Community Initiatives, this article focuses upon the implications for foundations of what has been learned about CCIs. · CCIs can demonstrate increased community capacity and improved outcomes for some residents in their target neighborhoods, but they cannot demonstrate population-level change in key indicators of well-being. · Five key questions about the role of funders and how they engage in community change are posed and discussed. · Deep engagement in the community; thoughtful collaboration among funders of various types and sizes; the willingness to use other resources, capacities and tools in addition to grants; and using evaluation for learning are some of the ways in which foundations might have a greater impact.