Anchor Mission Framework

Transforming Institutional Impact

Creating lasting economic change through strategic, operational alignment

Anchor institutions already benefit communities through their core missions in education, healthcare, and government services. However, by strategically leveraging their business operations - procurement, human resources, and investment practices - these institutions can create transformative economic change and help close the racial wealth gap.
The Anchor Mission Framework helps institutions align their operational practices with their community-focused values. Our vision is to make inclusive institutional practices the norm, creating thriving communities where both residents and anchor institutions prosper.
CCW provides comprehensive support and implementation guidance for each of these foundational strategies, helping institutions create measurable community impact while strengthening their operations.


Redirecting Institutional
Spending to Build Local Wealth

The Challenge: Procurement Barriers

Traditional systems are not designed for engaging small business as vendors

Large institutions face significant barriers when trying to diversify their supplier base:
  • Complex compliance requirements
  • Systems designed for large vendors
  • Limited visibility into local business capabilities

Institutional Procurement Strategies

Transforming spending practices to create sustainable economic opportunities

Discretionary Spending Solutions:
Access our proven resources to diversify institutional spending:
  • Curated Caterer List: Featuring graduates of our Feeding Anchors program
  • ShopBIPOC.com: Free directory of Colorado-based, BIPOC-owned businesses
  • BEST Program: Connecting institutions with qualified minority-owned trades businesses

Contract Spending Strategies:
Implementation approaches that maintain quality while expanding opportunity

We work with anchor partners to implement proven approaches:
  • Unbundle large contracts into manageable components
  • Extend RFP timelines without compromising schedules
  • Right-size requirements to match actual project needs
  • Partner with community organizations for expanded vendor outreach
Our team provides hands-on support through each step, from policy development to vendor relationship management.

Creating Career Pathways
for Entry-Level Positions

The Challenge: Workforce Development Barriers

High turnover and vacancy rates create significant operational costs and service disruptions. Traditional approaches strain resources while surrounding communities face barriers to accessing stable employment.

    Community Wealth Building Impact

    Creating ripple effects throughout local neighborhoods

    ‍    When institutions develop clear advancement pathways, communities benefit through:
    • Economic Security: Stable careers with increased earning potential
    • Household Stability: Consistent employment and income growth
    • Community Resilience: Increased local spending power
    • Business Growth: Rising household incomes support local enterprises
    • Neighborhood Vitality: Expanded economic opportunity

    Key Anchor Benefits:

    • Build a more stable, loyal workforce through intentional development
    • Reduce vacancy rates and associated hiring costs
    • Create structured opportunities for skill development
    • Support long-term employee retention and growth
    • Foster sustainable talent pipelines through local partnerships
    For Business OWners

    Get support to grow your business or explore employee ownership.

    Learn More
    For Anchor Institutions

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

    Learn More
    For Community Members

    Invest in transformative economic change.

    Learn More
    For Supporters

    Invest in transformative economic change

    Donate Now


    Moving Capital from
    Wall Street to Main Street

    For Business OWners

    Get support to grow your business or explore employee ownership.

    Learn More
    For Anchor Institutions

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

    Learn More
    For Community Members

    Invest in transformative economic change.

    Learn More
    For Supporters

    Invest in transformative economic change

    Donate Now

    The Challenge: Traditional Investment Limitations

    Redirecting institutional capital for local impact

    We help institutions redirect 1-5% of investment portfolios into strategic local opportunities:
    • Affordable housing development and preservation
    • Small business lending programs for underserved entrepreneurs
    • Consumer debt refinancing initiatives
    • Partnerships with local financial institutions
    This approach keeps capital circulating in local communities while generating both social and financial returns.

    Our Framework

    Download the Anchor Mission Framework


    Getting Started

    Ready to align your institutional practices with community impact? Find more resources and support in our Anchor Resources. Connect with our team to explore how the Anchor Mission Framework can benefit your organization and community.

    Schedule a Consultation