In 2021, Community Science began working with The Colorado Trust (The Trust) to evaluate the Building and Bridging Power strategy. The strategy funded more than 37 grantees (23 grassroots/grasstops organizations and 14 media grantees) from 2019 to 2024
We are kicking off 2025 with apprehension about the uncertainties ahead, and at the same time, excitement about the change we hope to make toward strong and just communities and systems.
In 2021, Community Science started working with the Wend Collective, founded by James Walton and based in Denver, Colorado. Our evaluation focused on Wend’s Thriving Youth Initiative. The initiative centered around successful models and enabling conditions to help children and youth from historically disadvantaged populations
When faced with challenges, it's tempting to blame a single "villain" for systemic issues, believing their removal will bring resolution. But often, these conflicts stem from deeply rooted organizational patterns rather than individual shortcomings
How can we better predict and plan for changes that affect one critical aspect of community development, like gentrification, displacement, or housing shortages? Many government officials, nonprofit leaders, and foundation program officers come to us with this question, often after investing in large data dashboards or completing housing needs assessments with metrics or strategies that quickly become outdated.
Discover how ONE Schenectady is pioneering sustainable systems change through strategic community power-building. Supported by the Schenectady Foundation and guided by Community Science, this evolving initiative is reshaping local engagement and collaboration by fostering a culture of empowerment, building community capacity, and forming a dedicated funders' alliance. Through quick-win strategies and adaptable support systems, ONE Schenectady has set a blueprint for transforming local governance and addressing systemic inequities. Join our upcoming webinar to learn how to scale these strategies for lasting impact.
Education is more than just academics—it can address social issues like poverty, mental health, and inequality. By expanding supports for at-risk and disconnected youth beyond the classroom, we can use education to promote overall well-being and build stronger, healthier communities.
The role of uncertainty and chronic stress and how this impacts young people’s access to opportunities. There is longstanding literature in the field of disaster research that documents the impacts of uncertainty, revealing the social, emotional, and psychological affect that children and youth may face ...
W.E.B. Du Bois shared this sentiment in 1935, and in 2024, amidst anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) backlash, it remains relevant and necessary. As we confront the persistent injustices of our modern era, we have much to learn from the teachings and legacies of Black thinkers and our collective resistance movements. As Du Bois argued, prioritizing adherence to rules, legal precedence, and political consistency should not overshadow the values of integrity, justice, and good judgment.
A stronger sense of community enables them to become more inclined to view someone else’s triumphs, concerns, and struggles as if they were their own. As such, they’ll become more compelled to act collectively, care for one another, connect, exert control over their community conditions, and enhance their economic conditions (i.e., more cash) so that everyone can thrive. To achieve this, the framework emphasized the importance of building intergroup relationships or bridges between two or more groups of people or communities.
Introducing the "Strengthening Community Framework" designed to enhance community inclusiveness and interconnectedness. This framework emphasizes the expansion of community boundaries to foster a stronger sense of belonging, influence, and mutual support among individuals, which in turn cultivates a deeper emotional connection and collective action within the community.
There are few words tossed around as much as “community” without requiring further definition or exploration by community leaders, public officials, researchers and evaluators, and others. Yet, there isn’t any other idea more fundamental to the human experience.