United Way Innovation Network

The Challenge 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation and United Way have both pursued groundbreaking work to improve community conditions.  Recognizing the alignment between the AECF’s Making Connections initiative and United Way’s community impact agenda, United Way received a grant from AECF to explore the best practices for effective place-based, resident engagement work impacting education, income and health.

United Way Worldwide convened eight communities from across the country in an Innovation Network throughout 2009 to explore how this work can be effectively implemented to create sustainable community change. United Way Worldwide reached out to Collaborative Communications Group to assist in the learning and development of the Innovation Network.

Our Approach 

Collaborative supported this work through:

  • Facilitation of working group discussions to ensure successful consultation and decision-making
  • Shaping the content and agendas for three convenings of the Innovation Network
  • Building an online, interactive environment that will give participants in the Innovation Network an ongoing platform for continuing to connect, share and learn
Our Impact 

Collaborative was able to support the Innovation Network through its development and exploration of place-based, resident engagement work. Through the management of the three convenings, the Network was able to create tools and resources that have been combined into a toolkit for the entire United Way system.

The relationship with United Way Worldwide has grown and deepened, and Collaborative continues to support their work in a variety of ways.

Date Added: Mar 31, 2010
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