Not Arriving with the Answer: Lessons in Building Community Projects That Work

Editor's Note: Since 2018, The Patterson Foundation (TPF) has collaborated with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative. Recognizing the value of academic and professional educational experiences offered by LFSOP, the Foundation is providing opportunities for its staff and consultants to enroll in LFSOP graduate and professional development courses through its Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program. TPFers, including Lyndsey Smith, Carrie Miley, Alicia Exantus, Josephine Eisenberg, and Stacy Sternberg have embraced the opportunity to continue learning and grow as philanthropic professionals, with Josephine Eisenberg and Stacy Sternberg recently completing their graduate studies.

Community projects usually begin with good intentions. Many of us see a need and want to do something to help. But one of the biggest lessons from my Building Community Projects That Work course this spring is that strong projects require more than a good idea. They require listening, asking thoughtful questions, doing research, and having a clear understanding of what the community needs, wants, and already has in place.

I was excited and, truthfully, a bit surprised when I realized how closely this course aligned with many of TPF’s values. A big connection for me was to one of TPF’s values that I think about almost daily, “not arriving with the answer.” It can be easy to assume we understand a community issue from the outside, but the real learning will happen when we slow down enough to listen to different perspectives. What I learned during this class and from TPF is that community conversations bring an issue to life in ways that data alone cannot.

Another takeaway for me was the reminder to use asset-based language when developing a proposal. Looking at a community not only through the lens of what is missing, but also recognizing what is already working, can help ensure a successful project. A strong proposal should clearly explain the challenge, while also showing how the project can build on relationships, programs, knowledge, and resources that already exist. This keeps the focus on the community strengths and possibilities, rather than only on problems that need to be fixed.

We also spent time learning how to tell the story of a proposal in a way that is clear and compelling. This reminded me of TPF’s focus on sharing what is learned and creating opportunities for people and organizations to connect around a common purpose. Telling a clear story is not as easy as it may seem, but it matters because the story helps others understand what was learned from the community, why the project matters, and how the idea could strengthen what already exists. A clear story does more than explain a proposal. It creates an opening for shared understanding and alignment.

The assignment I learned the most from was creating our own proposal decks for a project of our choosing and then presenting them to the class and guest thought leaders. I learned a lot by watching my classmates present their proposals and seeing the creative ways they prepared their presentations, as well as the areas that didn't come across well. This helped me see the importance of being clear in my proposals and presenting them with confidence.

This course reminded me that the strongest community projects are not created FOR a community, but WITH a community. When we listen first, build on existing strengths, and communicate a clear, compelling vision, good intentions can become something meaningful and sustainable. I am leaving this course with an even stronger commitment to always approach community work with genuine respect for the people whose lives the work is intended to support.

A special thank you to Linda Gould – Community Leader, Erin McLeod – CEO, Senior Friendship Centers, and Rhonda Leiberick – Executive Director, Meals On Wheels Sarasota, for taking the time to be interviewed for my final course presentation.