Anchor Institutions Task Force News
September, 2025
AITF Highlights
Values in Action Event
Our annual event is two months away. If you intend to attend, please make sure to register: agenda and registration link.
With our theme for the year, Values in Action, this event on November 6 in New York City (10am to 3pm Eastern), comes at a significant time. The engagement of anchor institutions in democratic collaboration to solve pressing challenges in localities is as important as ever. The nonprofit sector is being eroded, impacting community-based organizations that play a vital role in numerous lives. Government programs upon which countless individuals rely are being dismantled. These dynamics, among many others in this current climate, are destabilizing communities large and small in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
As organizations that endure in their geographic settings, anchor institutions have been stable local assets with myriad forms of capital that can bring relevant resources and skills to their surrounding communities. Moreover, anchor institutions themselves are interdependent with their surroundings. Destabilized communities in which the most vulnerable constituents are challenged even further than before ultimately do not benefit anyone. It is incumbent upon anchor institutions to endeavor to alter these dynamics in their communities even in the face of their own adversity. We know that many of the anchor institutions that have been engaged in communities are facing their own budget cuts and even political hostility.
Based on our theme for the year and the annual event, anchor institutions can commit to a set of values in how they approach their local role. They can commit to place, democracy and democratic practice, collaboration including cross sector collaboration, and social justice and equity including racial justice and racial equity. Throughout this year, we have been sharing stories of how anchor institutions are demonstrating some of these values in their communities in these newsletters, in Subgroup discussions, and in our publications.
On November 6, we will provide a forum for sharing and discussion in an action-oriented learning community about anchor institution strategies to strengthen their communities guided by core values. Please let us know if you have a story to share about anchor institutions applying Values in Action at the event. If you plan to attend the event, and you have not yet registered, please make sure to register soon, as those who are not on our registration list will not be able to enter the building. We look forward to seeing and connecting with those of you who will be able to be with us in NYC later this year.
AITF Subgroups
Thanks to those of you who have continued to participate in AITF Subgroups. During these challenging times, Subgroup participants have been engaged in useful dialogue with peers about how they are continuing to advance their efforts, in some instances by overcoming tremendous obstacles. Subgroups have been important spaces for mutual learning and support, and building community.
Please visit our Subgroup page to learn more about our various ongoing Subgroups and how to join.
Queens College – Member Spotlight
Thanks very much to Queens College for providing us with our latest Member Spotlight. This spotlight features the Tech Incubator at Queens College, which advances entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and community prosperity. This effort has emerged into an important resource hub and gathering place that has facilitated strategic cross sector collaboration in Queens, NY since its founding in 2016. Please see the full Spotlight below.
Note that we are continually seeking content for our Member Spotlight series. Please contact us if you would like to have your work featured in a future Spotlight.
AITF Member Spotlight
Tech Incubator at Queens College: Expanding Opportunity Through Innovation and Collaboration
Nestled in the heart of Queens, New York — one of the most diverse counties in the nation — the Tech Incubator at Queens College (TIQC) serves as a university-based anchor institution dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and community prosperity. Established in 2016 with support from the New York City Council, TIQC served just 20 member companies in 2020 and has since expanded to engage more than 3,000 participants annually, including entrepreneurs, startup founders, small business owners, students, mentors, and advisors. Today, over 60% of participants are women, and approximately 80% are minority entrepreneurs.
Commitment to Place
TIQC is deeply rooted in the Queens community, serving as both a resource hub and a gathering place where local entrepreneurs can access knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity. Programs are intentionally designed to meet the needs of immigrant-owned microbusinesses, student-led startups, and other diverse ventures. Nearly every day, TIQC hosts in-person, virtual, or hybrid workshops and classes, complemented by weekly peer sessions and monthly resource events. Through partnerships with community-based nonprofits, workforce agencies, and public institutions, TIQC tailors its support to address the specific challenges faced by Queens residents, ensuring that local voices remain central to its work.
Commitment to Collaboration
Collaboration is a defining feature of TIQC’s approach. The Innovators Fellowship brings together students, community members, and industry mentors to co-design solutions that address local challenges. Partnerships with the Queens Public Library, Accompany Capital (a Community Development Financial Institution), and the Small Business Development Center provide on-site access to critical business advisory services, technology support, and pathways to funding. TIQC also convenes stakeholders through AI learning workshops, founder peer-support circles, and resource fairs that open doors to digital tools, collaborative networks, and financial resources. By fostering these intentional connections across sectors, TIQC has built an ecosystem that amplifies impact and cultivates a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.
Commitment to Opportunity for Everyone
Serving one of the most diverse populations in the country, TIQC recognizes that access to knowledge and technology is vital for community well-being. Our programs focus on immigrant entrepreneurs, women founders, and minority-owned businesses — groups often underrepresented in the startup world. At the heart of TIQC is a peer-supported community. Through Essential Connections, a weekly Wednesday morning meetup, members share wins, discuss challenges, and inspire one another, growing side by side through learning and collaboration. Dawn Kelly, founder of The Nourish Spot, is a regular participant and a source of inspiration for her peers. Her success — from creating youth jobs in Jamaica to serving at the U.S. Open and JFK Airport — exemplifies how TIQC members not only build successful businesses but also inspire others in the community to dream bigger and achieve more.
Looking Ahead
Building on its rapid growth, TIQC will continue advancing community-driven innovation and collaboration as part of Queens College’s anchor mission. Priorities include expanding AI-powered business tools, broadening entrepreneurship training, and enhancing collaborative spaces. Equally important, TIQC will sustain its peer-supported community, where members lift one another up and grow together. With this combination of resources, mentorship, and shared support, TIQC is poised to keep opening doors to opportunity and driving lasting community transformation — reflecting the values of the AITF network.
Resources from the Field
Healthcare Anchor Network Convening 2025 (Event)
October 8-10, 2025
Boston, MA
This event brings together mission-aligned health systems and partners to explore strategies to advance health, equity, and inclusive local economies. Through immersive learning experiences and collaborative sessions, attendees will see anchor strategies in action, connect with peers, and help shape the future of this growing movement in healthcare.
Colleges Contributing Value to Communities (Report)
The Urban Institute has published the pilot report for the Colleges Contributing Value to Communities (CO3) project, which aims to capture the contributions that community colleges are making to their communities, but that have been ignored in previous return-on-investment studies and rankings.
Building Trust: Creating Jobs People Want to Keep (Report)
A new framework from Shared Success aims to guide employers in building trust within their organizations as a key element in quality of employment. Shared Success is a project of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.
Artists at the Heart of Civic Renewal
Forecast is a nonprofit organization that activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. The eighth issue of its FORWARD series is now available and focuses on promoting civic health and engagement through partnership and co-creation at the local level.
A recent webinar hosted by the Build Healthy Places Network offered strategies on navigating difficult conversations and examined ways to build connections across sectors to foster collaboration, belonging, and collective action.. The event drew on the Network’s latest factsheet titled “Crafting a Health Equity Centered Narrative.” A recording of the webinar is now available.
Made By All: Protecting Civic Life & Liberties in Public Space (Webinar Recording)
In July the Project for Public Spaces hosted a webinar featuring a panel of national leaders in the fields of civic engagement, civil liberties, and public space for a discussion about how placemaking can actively support civic life in the public realm, from town squares to third places to vacant spaces.
Credo + AAC&U Leadership Institute for Women and Gender-Diverse Leaders (Event)
December 2-3, 2025
Greensboro, NC
Credo and the American Association of Colleges and Universities will host the 10th annual Leadership Institutes for Women and Gender-Diverse Leaders. The theme for the 2025 event is "Sustaining Your Leadership Energy," and registration is currently open for in-person participation.
News & Articles
The Future of College Towns - from Insight into Academia
June 30 - College Towns began to emerge as colleges and universities were developed outside of urban areas, and today many of them are experiencing major change. Insight into Academia analyzes how universities are emerging as major anchor institutions—co-developers focused on affordability, housing task forces, and inclusive zoning reform.
A year of progress: community partnership brings new homes to Green Bay - from WFRV News
July 21 - The partnership between NeighborWorks Green Bay and the City of Green Bay began with a shared commitment to "building stronger neighborhoods through quality, affordable housing and innovative public-private collaboration." Over one year of collaboration alongside local schools and other partners has led to the establishment of new homes and renewed energy in the area.
Bryan Expands Public Art Efforts Through Community Partnerships and Youth Engagement - from FOX 44 News
July 29 - A new initiative spearheaded by the City of Bryan and local arts organizations, including Bryan Downtown Arts and Cultural Association and the Purple Turtle Art Studio, aims to expand public art across the Texas locality.
Broadband groups urge NTIA to let states define ‘community anchor institutions’ for BEAD funds - from statescoop
August 12 - In June the National Telecommunication and Information Administration released guidance for how states should define 'community anchor institutions' that would be eligible for participation in the BEAD program. The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society have responded by urging the federal agency to allow states to make this determination.
Luzerne County Community College, City of Wilkes-Barre launch partnership to build a stronger workforce - from Times Leader
August 6 - In Pennsylvania, the City of Wilkes-Barre recently announced a new partnership with Luzerne County Community College focusing on local workforce development. The initiative reduces costs of higher education for city employees.
Arkansas group tackles food insecurity with 'Harvesting Hope' initiative - from KATV News
August 18 - Food insecurity is a pressing issue impacting Arkansas communities, especially those in rural areas. The Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association seeks to help address this challenge with its new "Harvesting Hope" initiative that will engage the University of the Ozarks and local churches in a joint effort to improve food access in underserved communities.
New study confirms: Community Wealth Building delivers real benefits - from Democracy Collaborative
August 15 - A team of researchers have published new findings about the efficacy of the Preston Model for community wealth-building. Preston is a small post-industrial town in the north west of England where in 2015 the city council began engaging anchor institutions to improve employment conditions including increases in wages.
National vision, local delivery: The role of anchor organisations in a changing context - from Health Anchor Learning Network Blog
July 29 - Investments in anchor collaboration in recent years are expected to bear fruit over the course of the UK Government's new 10-year health plan titled "Fit for the Future," which emphasizes the importance of the societal and economic impact that local health anchor institutions have.
VOICES: Universities can rebuild public trust with better engagement with their communities - from Health Anchor Learning Network Blog
July 29 - Investments in anchor collaboration in recent years are expected to bear fruit over the course of the UK Government's new 10-year health plan titled "Fit for the Future," which emphasizes the importance of the societal and economic impact that local health anchor institutions have.
Management of BLocal program to transition from Hopkins to Greater Baltimore Committee - from Baltimore Fishbowl
July 28 - The Greater Baltimore Committee will soon assume management of the BLocal program, an initiative spearheaded by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine to provide support for local hiring, procurement, and investment. President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee explained that “GBC’s role as the region’s hub for economic development makes us uniquely positioned to lead this organization’s next chapter—aligning partners, policy and capital to deepen opportunity and prosperity for Baltimore’s communities.”
Academic Journal Articles
Journal Article: Young, D. R., & Foster, L. (2025). Rialto Center for the Arts. In Case Studies on Nonprofit Resilience Management (pp. 64-70). Edward Elgar Publishing. Link
Journal Article: Tammelin, M., Eerola, P., & Repo, K. (2025). Conclusion: Institutional anchors supporting families amid turbulence. In Families with Children in a Turbulent Era (pp. 201-208). Edward Elgar Publishing. Link
Journal Article: Balachandran, S. (2025). Making low-income and minority homeownership work: non-profit intermediary networks in the Chicago region. International Journal of Housing Policy, 25(1), 56-77. Link