Place-based impact is not a new idea. For decades, funders and civic leaders have invested in communities in pursuit of durable change. And yet, many past efforts fell short, shaped by top-down strategies, short-term funding cycles, and visions for communities that did not include the communities themselves.

Today, interest in place-based impact is resurging. With this renewed interest comes an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned and to ask sharper questions: How do we become better partners and co-learners with communities? How can philanthropy, business, government, and nonprofits work together to drive long-term, equitable impact? And how do we strengthen local ecosystems so decision-making is guided by leaders closest to the work?

Join NationSwell for a cross-sector conversation on innovation in place-based impact, exploring what it takes to center community leadership and build sustained partnerships that translate renewed interest into lasting change.

To encourage open and candid discussion, this event follows the Chatham House Rule – attendees may share insights from the conversation but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals or organizations. This ensures a trusted space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper insights.