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The SJHS Community Building Initiative (CBI) was initiated by the St. Joseph Health System Foundation (SJHSF) in 2000 as a major commitment to meeting the Foundation’s mission. SJHS Foundation’s desired long-term vision for its CBI initiative is the development of resident-based capacity to determine and implement positive change in low income communities.

Based on national evidence and learning from the CBI projects, CBI has defined four interdependent elements as key to developing that capacity:

• Engagement of community residents
  
• Development of resident leaders
  
• Collaboration among organizational partners
  
• Bridge building with external decision makers

During the planning year, projects select a topic as the focus for the community building work and establish community and organizational collaboration structures and processes. If funded for implementation, the projects work on these four elements over the next three years to build measurable community capacity and develop a longer term sustainability plan.

National evidence and ten years of CBI experience have pointed out some specific factors that contribute to success in CBI initiatives:

• Lead organization expertise and commitment to community building and collaboration with other partners
• Limited area(s) of topic focus, to maximize progress on community capacity development
• Development of multiple resident leaders, to ensure succession over time
• Careful selection and application of appropriate approaches to community engagement and leadership development
• Engagement of governing boards of participating agencies, to assist with bridge building and ensure continuity of organizational investment

For more information on applying for grants or questions, please email: sjhsfoundation@stjoe.org.