Supporting Collective Impact in Greater High Point
I am continuously inspired by the remarkable work being done by community organizations across Greater High Point. Your dedication and passion are driving real change, and together, we’re making strides toward a shared goal: ensuring all residents have the opportunity to live healthier lives.
Choosing to Be About Change
At our recent Funded Partner Convening, I shared a quote from E.B. White: “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”
This quote has stayed with me for years, and I believe it resonates with many of us in community work. We often wake up wanting both to enjoy the beauty of our communities and to make them better. But when I reflect on the incredible work of our 45+ Funded Partners, it’s clear that most days are “change the world” kind of days. Our collective efforts are about more than just enjoying what we have, they’re about creating lasting improvements.
The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of our success. We’re not just working together; we’re building partnerships that drive real, measurable outcomes. That’s why we’ve embraced the Collective Impact model, which keeps us focused on systemic change. True collaboration means stepping away from individual interests and prioritizing the collective good. Though the benefits may not always be immediate, the long-term impact is undeniable.
During the Convening, we hosted two workshops led by Courtney from the Collective Impact Forum. These sessions helped us better understand how to use the Collective Impact framework to tackle health outcomes in our community. We are committed to supporting these partnerships to address the root causes of social and economic challenges.
Embarking on Collective Impact
It was inspiring to hear from Eli Saavedra-Villatoro, the newly appointed director of a Community Health Initiative that adapts the Duke Endowment’s flagship Healthy People, Healthy Carolinians. This initiative, in collaboration with High Point Regional Hospital, Cone Health, Guilford County Public Health, Cooperative Extension, Senior Resource Center, Cone Health Foundation, Greater High Point Food Alliance and other partners, will address chronic health disparities using the Collective Impact approach. I’m excited to see the priorities this coalition will set for both High Point and Greensboro.
Funding Collaboration
Our commitment to collaboration also shapes how we approach funding. This year, we introduced a special solicitation for nonprofits serving the expanded Medicaid population following the state’s Medicaid expansion. In the past, we’ve focused on areas like behavioral health, early childhood development, and capacity building.
I’m particularly proud of our streamlined application process, which aligns with Trust-Based Philanthropy. This approach gives more power to nonprofits, those who know their communities best. We aim to be true partners, offering flexibility, listening to your needs, and working together to find solutions.
Looking Ahead: Moving Forward Together
As we move forward, we remain focused on addressing the most pressing issues in our community—from housing and mental health to early childhood development and food security. We’ll continue to support neighborhood revitalization, violence prevention, and affordable housing, while also addressing emerging challenges like COVID response and Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Together, we are creating lasting, positive changes. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out to us.