Over the past three years, the Community Funding Accelerator (CFA) has evolved from an ambitious pilot into a proven, evidence-driven platform for community-led change. When we launched the program, our goal was simple but bold: to remove the barriers that keep grassroots organizations from accessing and deploying funding effectively, and to create a pathway for community leaders to drive solutions of their own design. Today, looking back on our journey, we are proud to share just how far this vision has come — and how far our communities have taken it.
From the earliest days of the pilot, we saw clear signs of possibility. Local organizations — many of whom had long been under-served by traditional funding systems — demonstrated resilience and a deep understanding of the needs around them. The CFA platform became a space where their ideas could be tested, strengthened, and scaled. Year by year, the program has expanded its reach, diversified its partners, and refined its model based on real-world learning.
This report highlights the milestones that shaped our growth: the communities we served, the grants we helped apply for and win, the development of robust pathway programs, and the measurable impact of community-designed initiatives. It also captures the stories behind the numbers — stories of community organizations navigating uncertainty, unlocking new capabilities and partnerships, and achieving outcomes that were once deemed out of reach.
Our journey since the pilot has reaffirmed what we believed from the start: when communities are trusted and equipped to lead, the results are transformative. As we move into the next phase of our program, we remain committed to elevating local leadership, strengthening collaboration, and building pathways from cradle to career that make lasting impact not only possible, but inevitable.
We are grateful to every participant, partner, and champion who has contributed to CFA’s growth. This report is, above all, a reflection of your dedication and your belief in the power of community-driven change.
