The concept of anchor institutions has been around for over a decade, but the idea of what it truly means to be a strong anchor in a community and the development of a driving anchor mission is new to many organizations. A growing number of successful anchors with proven methods and missions is emerging in the field (see our resource cards below) and offer rtools to help others realize their level of influence and responsibility.
Looking toward the future, the potential for anchor institutions and their partners to come together and formalize their work has real power. Much like what LEED certification – the internationally-recognized green building certification system – did for climate change awareness in the building industry, strong alignment of anchor missions can leave a legacy within the community that lasts for generations. This collection of resources by Community Commons includes deep dives into the role of anchor institutions in different areas of community sustainability — from health to food systems.
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