In 2011, over 30 community building nonprofits from across the St. Louis area came together to create a shared table where they could support each other as peers and advocate for critical issues with a shared voice. These pioneer members established the foundation of the Community Builders Network (CBN) network that's now nearly 80 members strong.
At CBN, we work alongside community development corporations (CDCs) across the St. Louis region to help them grow stronger, operate more effectively, and deepen their impact. Our role is to define what strong, sustainable organizations look like and provide the tools, resources, and support to help members get there.
We establish clear, equity-centered standards for organizational health, offer data and insights to guide growth, and create opportunities for training, peer learning, and shared problem-solving. We also expand access to critical supports like accounting, bookkeeping, and legal services, so that organizations can focus more of their energy on serving their communities.
We envision a St. Louis region where neighborhoods that have been historically marginalized, especially minority neighborhoods, have equitable access to the resources and opportunities available to our area's most privileged neighborhoods.
As we launch our new three-year strategic plan, CBN is sharpening its focus on how this work is done and who it serves. By aligning standards, strengthening partnerships, and advancing advocacy, we are building a more connected and effective community development ecosystem across St. Louis.
Our strategic priorities include:
1) Advocating for Community Development Resources & Policy Change
2) Defining CDC Standards & Building CDC Capacity
3) Supporting Equitable Collaborations & Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
4) Amplifying Member Impact Through Storytelling & Strategic Communications
This Give STL Day, your support helps ensure that CDCs across our region have the clarity, capacity, and resources they need to thrive. When CDCs thrive, equitable communities thrive.
Give today to invest in stronger organizations, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger St. Louis.