OUR NETWORK BUILDS BRIDGES ACROSS THE ST. LOUIS REGION’S COMMUNITY BUILDING SECTOR

Our capacity building supports our member organizations and their partners so that they can do their best work. Our advocacy champions policies that strengthen our civic muscle. Our storytelling celebrates what it takes to make our St. Louis communities great places to live.

MISSION

CBN strengthens community development organizations and their impact in St. Louis by aligning resources, building capacity, and supporting collaboration. 

VISION

We envision a strong, connected community development ecosystem where organizations across St. Louis are well-resourced and effective.

2026 - 2028 STRATEGIC PLAN

CBN is striving to be more specific about how the work is done and who it serves in the St. Louis region. By aligning standards, partnerships, and advocacy, CDCs will gain the clarity and capacity to thrive thereby collectively strengthening the St. Louis community development ecosystem and driving equitable transformation. CBN’s three-year strategic plan will cover 4 key priority areas:

1) Advocating for Community Development Resources & Policy Change: CBN will advance a unified, data-driven policy and funding agenda that aims to secure flexible, sustainable resources for CDCs by aligning member priorities, influencing public systems, and cultivating new investment partners.

2) Defining CDC Standards & Building CDC Capacity: CBN will strengthen CDCs' long-term effectiveness by establishing clear organizational standards, assessing and benchmarking member capacity, and delivering targeted training and support.

3) Supporting Equitable Collaborations & Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: CBN will foster a more coordinated and resilient community development ecosystem by identifying opportunities for collaboration, guiding equitable partnerships, and connecting CDCs with aligned technical assistance providers and funders.

4) Amplifying Member Impact Through Storytelling & Strategic Communications: CBN will elevate the visibility, credibility, and collective impact of CDCs through shared storytelling, transparent impact reporting, public education campaigns, and annual convenings that position members as essential stewards of neighborhood stability.

Together, these priorities shape a clear and actionable path forward for CBN, click here to dive deeper into the full strategic plan.