AITF Newsletter - June 2026
The June 2026 AITF Newsletter is now available!
Read the full newsletter here: AITF June 2026 Newsletter
This issue of the AITF Newsletter emphasizes the power of deep, authentic relationships in crisis and the evolving role of diverse anchor institutions in community problem-solving. We continue our focus on Values in Action, exploring how place-based partnerships are essential for protecting vulnerable populations, driving equitable economic development, and tackling urgent local needs. From highlighting the unique anchor role of philanthropic foundations to emphasizing the importance of storytelling in our field, this edition showcases how anchors across the country are putting their core values into practice.
Inside this edition, you’ll find:
A Save-the-Date for AITF’s 2026 Annual Event (November 5, 10am–3pm Eastern, at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, NJ), focusing on Values in Action and the expanding role of Foundations as Anchor Institutions.
A Call for Essays on Communications and Storytelling, inviting members to share their experiences and specific stories illustrating the internal and external realities of being an engaged anchor institution locally.
A Member Profile on Augsburg University, exploring their hyper-local, relationship-based anchor work in Minneapolis and how long-standing community trust allowed them to rapidly support immigrant neighbors during federal operations and local crises.
Anchor Fellows Program Updates, announcing the active call for applications and nominations to identify the 2027 cohort of emerging anchor leaders.
Publications and Subgroup News, including a call for essays for Volume 4 of the AITF Leadership Guide Series, and a reminder of the vital mutual learning happening within AITF Subgroups.
Resources from the Field, featuring actionable insights such as Byron P. White's new book on rebuilding trust in higher education, a toolkit on AI leadership readiness for charity leaders, and impact stories on place-based investing from CommonSpirit Health.
News, Articles, and New Research, highlighting cross-sector collaborations and expansions across the country, including major capital projects at Rutgers–Camden and Loyola University Maryland, the economic impact of NYU, and studies on the housing market effects of the Obama Presidential Center.
Each month, the AITF Newsletter shares insights, research, and real-world examples of anchor institutions putting values into practice across sectors and geographies.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
Each issue of the Anchor Institutions Task Force Newsletter provides updates on anchor practice, leadership, and research from across sectors. Sign up for the mailing list to receive future issues, event announcements, and resources from the field.
If you have updates about your work, resources, or articles that you would like to share with the AITF network, please email Mala Coomar at mala.c@margainc.com.
