Over the past 20 years, anchor institutions—in particular health systems and universities—have increasingly explored how to leverage their significant assets to benefit the health and well-being of their communities. More recently, institutions have recognized that a deeper commitment to collaboration is required to move the needle on systemic inequities, advance equitable economic development, and support wealth building within the low-income and communities of color they serve.

This playbook details how groups of anchor institutions are building effective place-based partnerships together with community partners to improve individual and family well-being and build equitable local economies.