How an LLF works
Leadership Foundations supports a global network of non-profit/non-governmental organizations called local leadership foundations (LLFs). ‘Local leadership foundation (LLF)’ is a term that describes each of the independent 501 (c) (3) organizations based in individual cities around the world, that work to address the social and spiritual needs of their entire cities. LLFs exist to transform cities by addressing needs of the marginalized, as well as the systemic causes of poverty in cities.
How a LLF functions
Local leadership foundations serve their cities in similar and yet unique ways, based on each city’s needs and context. These members are taking seriously Christ’s call to the city—which is to heal broken lives and hearts so that healthy people are living in healthy places. Local leadership foundations use innovative and collaborative ways to accomplish their purpose of connecting leaders, changing lives and ultimately transforming cities. The local leadership foundation approach is an asset-based community development approach, which assumes that the resources needed to address the needs of the vulnerable already exist in that city, and simply need to be mobilized or developed. The work of a local leadership foundation will ultimately mitigate duplication of work to serve the poor, and capitalize on and maximize the impact of the work of people with good will on the lives of the poor and vulnerable.
LLFs vary in their strategy to work toward the social and spiritual renewal of their cities, based on their individual contexts. But all LLFs function in these three primary roles:
- Engage followers of Jesus Christ from all walks of life and sectors, plus other leaders of good will in a city, to tackle their city’s greatest challenges affecting people who are poor or vulnerable.
- Develop joint efforts or initiatives in the city to transform people and place.
- Build the capacity of people and groups involved—for joint service and ministry.
In order to perform these three primary functions, a LLF should have eight core capabilities in place.
Programmatic Capabilities 1- 4
Developing a City Strategy – engaging a broad group of Christian and other leaders in tackling the city’s challenges.
Engaging Leaders from Across the City – strong, diverse core group of leaders engaged, with a broader group of leaders also bringing their gifts to particular initiatives and tackling your city’s greatest challenges.
Mobilizing the Resources of the Church – linking the resources of congregations, ministries, followers of Jesus, and other sectors of our city in several ongoing efforts to transform people or place
Building partners’ capacity – build others’ capabilities in an intentional way through various activities, are recognized in city as having this ability, and has data indicating this is done.
Operational Capabilities 5 – 8
An Effective Team – an Executive Board, management team and project level staff in place to get multiple things done effectively and advancing the LLF mission.
Solid Financing – a solid base of funders/revenue sources plus the financial systems and controls needed to manage/support multiple initiatives and maintain strong ongoing relationships with financial supporters. At least 2 months of operating reserves.
Strong Evaluation – solid, systematic ways to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple joint ministry efforts, as well as a LLF’s overall performance.
Telling the Story – communicating regularly with your LLF’s various stakeholders and partner groups regarding what’s possible, how this works, the LLF’s role, the impact, and how people and groups can help – using necessary marketing/PR/communication expertise.
