Our Strategy
The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham dedicates our resources and research to accelerate economic opportunity in Alabama. To achieve this goal, we support an innovative approach to catalyzing collaboration between local agencies and organizations.
Launched in 2013, Collaboration Institute is a strategy-based funding model that provides resources and support to local agencies and organizations that are committed to leveraging their women and children-focused services for the betterment of their communities. Taking a two-generation approach, the Collaboration Institute is making strategic investments to promote system cohesion and empower organizations to align efforts. A two-generation approach is a national, evidence-based model that integrates services and impact data for entire families.
By streamlining their services through Collaboration Institute, participating organizations provide a clear path and comprehensive resources for women working towards economic success. For example, while mothers are pursuing essential education pathways for a living-wage career, their children – through the work of Collaboration Institute’s participating organizations – will have access to quality and affordable childcare.
While many local agencies and organizations already have been providing important direct services to women and children in Alabama, efforts have been siloed. We believe it is critical to break through these silos and formalize collaboration amongst these groups to maximize their service recipients’ opportunities for economic security.
The Collaboration Institute’s 18-month curriculum is comprised of funding, peer-learning workshops, site visits, technical assistance, advisory services, connections to community leaders and funders, and coaching from both local leaders and the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group.