Engaging Anchors

Strengthening Anchors, Growing Local Economies

The Center for Community Wealth (CCW) partners with anchor institutions—hospitals, universities, and major public organizations—to leverage their economic power for community benefit. Our anchor institution partners recognize that their well-being is tied to the health and well-being of the communities where they reside. Through strategic shifts in institutional spending, hiring, and investment practices, anchors are creating pathways to close the racial wealth gap in Metro Denver.

Why Anchor Institutions Matter

Anchor institutions are more than just large employers—they're economic engines that can drive transformative change. Our approach helps institutions align their values with proven business strategies that strengthen both their bottom line and community impact. Discover proven strategies for institutional transformation through our Anchor Mission Framework.

Working With CCW - A Proven Approach


The Center for Community Wealth partners with anchor institutions to create sustainable economic impact through strategic shifts in:
  • Procurement practices
  • Hiring practices
  • Investment strategies
Through personalized coaching, peer learning opportunities, and implementation support, we help institutions align their business operations with their community-focused missions while strengthening their bottom line.

Working with CCW helps anchor institutions:
  • Access and build relationships with local vendors
  • Improve community health outcomes
  • Strengthen institutional reputation and relationships
  • Access a network of peer institutions and pre-vetted local vendors
  • Receive expert guidance on implementation and measuring impact
  • Connect to more stable workforce pipelines
  • Find local place-based investment opportunities that align with institutional values and priorities
  • Create measurable positive impact in their communities

Two Pathways to Partnership

Denver Anchor Network

For major institutions, including hospitals, universities, and government agencies

The Denver Anchor Network provides a collaborative space for large institutions to:
  • Learn from peer institutions
  • Access implementation resources and guidance
  • Develop strategies for community impact
  • Connect with pre-vetted local vendors
  • Measure and track progress

Equity Exchange


For community organizations, including faith-based congregations, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses

Equity Exchange helps smaller entities:
  • Redirect spending to support local, BIPOC-owned businesses
  • Focus especially on facility maintenance and operations
  • Connect with local vendors
  • Align spending with organizational values
  • Create measurable community impact

Tools for Success


We provide comprehensive support to help institutions create lasting change.

Explore our Anchor Resources for:
  • Strategic planning and implementation guidance
  • Peer learning opportunities
  • Access to pre-vetted local vendors
  • Impact measurement tools
  • Policy development support
For Business OWners

Get support to grow your business or explore employee ownership.

For Anchor Institutions

Partner with us to align your spending with community wealth building.

For Community Members

Invest in transformative economic change.

For Supporters

Invest in transformative economic change