STRENGTHENING CDC CAPACITY

Building Stronger Organizations for Stronger Communities

Community development starts with strong, stable organizations. We support Community Development Corporations (CDCs) with the standards, tools, and resources they need to grow, operate effectively, and deliver lasting impact in the neighborhoods they serve.

Community Development Corporations

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Mission Members

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Community Development Corporations · Mission Members ·

What We Do

We Help CDCs Grow, Strengthen & Succeed

We work alongside our members to define what strong looks like and provide the support to get there by:

  • Establishing clear, shared standards for organizational health

  • Providing data tools and insights to guide growth

  • Offering training, peer learning, and resources

  • Expanding access to back-office and operational support

  • Providing access to shared operational supports (e.g., accounting, bookkeeping, legal services)

Our Focus

Defining What A Strong CDC Looks Like

We create clear, equity-focused standards that show what strong, lasting CDCs look like. These shared benchmarks, aligned with funders and public partners, guide growth and accountability across the field.

Measuring Organizational Health

We provide data and tools to help members assess their capacity and plan for growth. Through assessments, dashboards, and benchmarking, organizations gain clear insights and actionable next steps.

Building Skills Through Learning & Peer Exchange

We offer trainings, workshops, and peer learning opportunities that build skills and share practical tools. Our approach is driven by member needs and real-world experience.

Strengthening Operations Behind the Scenes

We expand access to shared back-office supports like accounting and legal services, helping organizations improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and focus on community impact.

Why CDCs Matter to St. Louis

Stronger Organizations. Better Outcomes. Greater Trust.

As CDCs strengthen, the entire community development ecosystem improves:

  • Organizations operate with greater stability, transparency, and effectiveness

  • Members have a clear pathway to growth and excellence

  • Funders and partners align around shared standards, streamlining decisions

  • Communities benefit from more consistent, high-quality development outcomes

  • Funders and partners adopt CDC standards as formal criteria for funding and partnership decisions

  • Strengthen Your Organization

    Whether you’re building capacity, refining operations, or planning for growth, we’re here to support you.


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  • View Our 2026 Strategic Plan

    CBN’s three-year strategic plan covers 4 key priority areas.

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