Community Solutions Fund Network

Social entrepreneurs are creative about using and obtaining resources—most receive substantial private sector support. However, many communities have limited private-sector philanthropic resources and are unable to replicate what is working elsewhere. The America Forward coalition proposes one solution to this problem: the seeding of a network of funds that would match federal dollars with state, local, and private-sector contributions. These funds would enable local communities and national funding organizations to provide large, long-term grants to programs with demonstrated results.

The Community Solutions Fund Network would be built in the private sector, with decision making informed by the best practices of venture philanthropy. It would be based on four key principles: 1) impact-based results; 2) cross-sector strategies; 3) leverage; and 4) a long-term focus.

A fund network, as opposed to a single national fund, would enable communities and states to create and control funds targeted to unique community needs. For example, one city might develop a fund focused on neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty, while a state might create a fund to assist rural communities. Multi-state funds could focus on specific issues (e.g., education or global warming) or populations (e.g., low-income immigrants or people with disabilities). In addition to being more responsive and flexible than a large national fund, a network of funds would leverage more private sector resources, facilitate learning among the network, help to pilot and spread innovations, and advance the field’s knowledge faster.