First 5 LA's New Strategic Plan: What Does "Place-Based" Funding Mean?August 31, 2009 |
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 During its 10 years of investing in children's health and well-being, First 5 LA has learned that children and families are only as healthy and safe as the communities in which they live. Targeting services just to children and families neglects the important ways in which children interact with their community. That is why First 5 LA's Commission adopted a new investment approach called "place-based" funding, which concentrates financial support in specific geographic areas, allowing the Commission to focus its resources in places where they are most needed. Until recently, First 5 LA directed its funding through initiatives designed to accomplish specific objectives within the broad goal areas of health, safety, and early learning. But grantee focus groups have identified that working on multiple initiatives funded by First 5 LA is often complicated and duplicative. By using a place-based approach, the Commission can better integrate its investments, as well as better measure their effectiveness, and not just on individual children, but also on their families and where they live. Under the new approach adopted by the Commission in July, First 5 LA will establish partnerships with families, community residents and other funders and create a "pipeline for children" by integrating current First 5 LA investments and making services more easily accessible. An example of a successful place-based approach that supports children is the acclaimed Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ). Based in New York City, the HCZ adopted the approach in the late 1990's, bringing a range of support services to a single neighborhood block. The idea was to address all the problems that poor families faced, from crumbling apartments to failing schools. Since then, HCZ has developed a number of programs that address a wide range of issues and expanded its reach to 60 city blocks. The impact of the HCZ Project has been undeniable. This past spring, 100 percent of the third-graders who participated in HCZ programs scored at or above grade level in the statewide math tests. Additionally, 81 percent of participating parents read more to their children and $4.8 million were returned to Harlem residents as a result of HCZ's free tax-preparation service. HCZ has been touted by President Obama as a model he plans to replicate throughout the country under the title, "Promise Neighborhoods." As part of its place-based approach, First 5 LA will select target communities for investment based on indicators of risk and a consideration of communities' strengths. Strengths include existing infrastructure, community leadership capacity, and the engagement of multiple sectors. We are also committed to learning from the wisdom and experience of current grantees, residents and community members through engagement with us in this process. To learn more about First 5 LA's new strategic plan, click here to see our Frequently Asked Questions. To read a synopsis of the plan, click here. To review the full plan, click here. |
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