Communities aren't struggling from lack of effort. They're struggling from disconnected effort.
Across healthcare, nonprofits, public health, education, philanthropy, and local government, leaders are working hard. But many efforts remain fragmented — disconnected initiatives, siloed funding, competing priorities, collaboration fatigue.
As challenges become more interconnected, fragmented effort becomes harder and harder to sustain.
The challenge is not a lack of effort. It is the difficulty of aligning people, priorities, systems, and action across increasingly complex environments.
Communities need more than collaboration
Many of the approaches still widely used were built for a world that was slower, more stable, and less interconnected — where problems were addressed separately, funding streams operated in silos, and cross-sector coordination was less critical to achieving results.
Today, housing instability, behavioral health, workforce shortages, public distrust, and funding uncertainty don't exist in isolation. They influence one another constantly. Most communities do not lack passionate leaders, strategic plans, or initiatives underway. What many struggle with is alignment: shared direction, coordinated action, and the ability to sustain momentum across sectors over time.
Shared intention does not automatically create aligned systems.
C.O.R.E. helps communities move beyond collaboration as conversation alone and toward collaboration as a coordinated system for shared impact — strengthening alignment, governance, shared measurement, strategic prioritization, and long-term sustainability.
The Impact Pathway is a practical, milestone-based approach that helps communities start where they are and build momentum step by step. Communities don't need a perfect plan to begin. This summer, we're opening enrollment for the first two milestones. Want to see the full journey? Explore all five milestones.
Now enrolling — Summer 2026
Milestone 1: Gather to Build Momentum
Enrollment open * July 14, 2026 * 10:00 am - 1:00 pm PT * Virtual Workshop * Up to 5 participants * $500
Rather than waiting for the “perfect” team or plan, communities start by identifying a core group, clarifying why the work matters now, and preparing to engage others in the journey ahead.
What you'll advance:
→ Initial cross-sector team and case for change
→ Shared purpose and partner outreach approach
→ CollaborACTION team readiness assessment insights
→ Milestone 2 readiness plan and practical next steps
Download the Overview of Milestone 1
Communities that complete Milestone 1 may apply their full $500 investment as a credit toward Milestone 2.
Milestone 2: See Your Whole Picture
Enrollment open * Begins August 4, 2026 * 10 sessions over 6 months * $7,500 per community
Communities can’t solve complex challenges by looking at issues in isolation. In Milestone 2, teams build a shared understanding of the systems, conditions, and relationships shaping quality of life — exploring what’s working, where gaps exist, and how different issues connect.
What you'll advance:
→ Community profile, asset map, and systems understanding
→ Resident and stakeholder engagement approach
→ Customized community scorecard and shared measures
→ Working team structure and cross-sector alignment
→ Foundation for strategic action in Milestone 3
Download the Overview of Milestone 2
Powered by the C.O.R.E. Guide
The Impact Pathway is grounded in a Baldrige-based framework for helping communities think systemically, engage cross-sector partners, use data intentionally, and improve over time.
Learn about the C.O.R.E. Guide
Not sure where to start?
“The project doesn’t have to be grand in scale. It really can just get started.” - Saratoga County, NY
Whether you’re ready to register or still figuring out where your community fits, we’d love to help you find your starting point.
Want a quick overview of all five milestones and pricing? Download the Impact Pathway Snapshot.
