No one organization or sector can transform social conditions alone. The complex challenges our communities face demand multifaceted approaches that capitalize on the unique expertise of many different stakeholders. Collaboration within and across sectors is critical to reducing exposure to adversity and strengthening supports for individuals, communities, and systems - key to social change and more equitable outcomes. Philanthropic investment and involvement in cross-sector collaborative networks can significantly enhance efforts to build resilient communities.

The Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities (MARC) program brings together 14 sites actively engaged in building the movement for a just, healthy and resilient world. A mix of cities, counties, regions, and states, these communities are all building a culture of health by translating the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) into practices and policies that foster resilience. Learnings from the program will be shared in this session, including 10 factors for the success of cross-sector networks, six barriers, and the role that philanthropy can play in enhancing the work. MARC is coordinated by The Health Federation of Philadelphia with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The California Endowment.

While the evidence for the impact of ACEs and trauma is well-established, data for trauma-informed practice is still emerging. Most sectors are still identifying and building an evidence base to learn which trauma-informed and resilience-building practices work for whom. Program evaluation with an eye to building knowledge is critical at this stage. Funders must work in partnership with providers and participants to identify “active ingredients” of trauma-informed care within and across sectors.

In this session, funders will learn about models for evaluating trauma-informed initiatives and for building evaluation capacity within organizations to enhance data-driven decision making. One example highlighted in this session will include a robust program evaluation of the Pottstown Trauma Informed Community Connection (PTICC), an initiative of Pottstown School District which brings together a diverse group of partners to build a trauma-informed, resilient community in Pottstown, PA.

A true investment in trauma-informed practice requires funders to inventory their own policies and procedures to ensure alignment with a resilience-building, healing-centered approach. This session will focus on how one funder, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, applied a trauma lens to their work and how this fundamentally altered their approach.

The session will review eight key principles for trauma-informed grantmaking, including: Acknowledgement of Power Structures; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Empowerment and Voice; Patience and Flexibility; Creativity and Risk Taking; Transparency; Responsiveness; and Listening and Humility.

Research shows that while adverse childhood experiences and trauma are remarkably common and can have a significant impact on one’s life, they can also be treated and prevented. Through public education, resilience building, and healing, we can achieve our goal of building a stronger, safer, healthier, and more prosperous region. As part of these efforts, the philanthropic community has a responsibility to understand how trauma and ACEs impact our community, and to support programs in all sectors to promote healing and resilience.

This session will invite grantmakers to better understand the ways in which trauma is a root cause of poor health and social outcomes. By applying a trauma-informed lens to their work, funders can enhance their grantmaking to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities in need.