How does RIA determine which programs are models?

Throughout the history of the Reinvesting in America program there has been an ongoing search for the most innovative and effective grassroots organizations in the United States. The Reinvesting in America team carefully reviews information collected on grassroots organizations for the purpose of identifying model programs. In the past, site visits were the primary way of determining model program status. Today, the Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Awards review process contributes greatly to the identification of both emerging and recognized model programs. As RIA takes a holistic approach to addressing hunger and poverty issues, the criteria used to identify models includes a general focus on empowering and strengthening the individual and community, in addition to a programmatic focus on achieving sustainable and measurable results.

What is a Reinvesting in America Model Program?

In the process of our search, we have identified a list of programmatic elements that are common among those organizations that are most effective in achieving their goals.

1. They effectively assist and empower people who are hungry and/or living in poverty in a holistic way, bringing a full array of tools to bear on each individual's problems and needs.
2. They are: well-managed and competently led, guided by clear objectives, goal-driven yet flexible about shifting direction when necessary to meet changing needs. They are: effective, efficient, and accountable, with a demonstrated track record of competence and results.
3. There are rooted in and accountable to the community that they serve, with heavy community presence on the board and staff.
4. They address specific unmet needs in the community discovered through some form of needs assessment.
5. They intervene early and work one-on-one with individuals and families, offering them dignity and respect, and recognizing that any effective approach must deal holistically with all the problems that stand between at-risk individuals and community life.
6. They actively seek partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and community institutions and stakeholders.
7. They understand that charity alone is insufficient unless it is coupled with social change, change that gives economically insecure and hungry people the tools and the inspiration they need to regain their place in the mainstream.
8. They willingly and competently provide assistance to other community-based organizations seeking to expand their own programs and services.
9. They recognize that their work is connected to broader national and international models and innovations of community empowerment and change.

What can be learned from model programs?

Reinvesting in America believes there are many lessons that can be learned from innovative and effective organizations. On a small scale, model sharing will help your organization to network with other service providers working on similar issues. On a large scale, model sharing can present blueprints of the core principles, concepts and philosophies behind the models, and will inspire you to build new working versions of similar programs in your own communities. To learn more about model program replication we invite you to check out our Replication Manual Series.

Resources to help your grassroots organization grow.

The Replication Manual Project - A series of manuals chronicling the work of seven unique and highly effective anti-hunger and poverty organizations.

The WHY Media Guide - A comprehensive resource tool for community based organizations interested in attracting media attention to their work.

The Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Awards A highly competitive small cash awards program honoring grassroots service providers judged outstanding for their innovative and creative approaches to fighting domestic hunger and poverty by empowering people and building self-reliance

The Clearinghouse Connection is the monthly fax newsletter of the National Hunger Clearinghouse that contains timely information on topics including upcoming conferences, legislation, publications of interest and funding opportunities.

Building the Bridge: Linking Food Banking with Community Food Security This publication is part of an ongoing effort at WHY to foster dialogue and collaboration across the anti-hunger and community food security movements in order to address rising demand for emergency food while fostering a more equitable and sustainable food system over the long-term. 

Going Beyond Emergency Food This pamphlet is a small part of WHY’s ongoing work to provide models and inspiration to anti-hunger organizations so they can provide the education and skills needed to address hunger and poverty in their communities.