How We Work

 The Innovation Center seeks out extraordinary organizations and individuals across the world. We work with community organizations, researchers, policymakers, and philanthropists.

Our approach is inclusive, respectful, and humble. Throughout our work, we:

• Value the knowledge, skills, and practices of community organizations.
• Understand that vastly different organizations share goals and visions that lead to successful partnership.
• Study others’ successes, rather than bring preconceived formulas.
• Share discoveries and new practices in the larger arenas of academia, policy, research, and the field of youth and community development.

Our partnerships with foundations, organizations, youth, and adults spark creative processes, build on existing assets and resources, and generate practical tools and resources that include:

• Tool kits, technical assistance, and research;
• Peer learning groups and peer exchanges for community organization leaders;
• Connections across the fields of academia, policy, social services, and philanthropy;
• Guidance for funding research, development, and program evaluation;
• Training services that expand skills, strengthen management, and connect organizations and foundations to new and existing resources; and
• Capacity-building techniques that help organizations become more effective.