Helping Communities Work is a strategic partnership formed by industry and trade associations, banks, CDFI's and other financial institutions. The objective is to satisfy CRA compliance obligations and modernize related funding and investment strategies. The plan focuses on the creation of an efficient, systemic, large-scale and sustainable continuum of education, workforce, community and economic development. 

Helping Communities Work functions to align and achieve the outcome expectations of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and related legislation. 

Helping Communities Work integrates business and social entrepreneurship through a plan designed to attract and leverage government funding, place-based impact investing and philanthropic support. The strategy aligns early college high schools with apprenticeships and other work-based learning models. The process expands to include and advance sector-based workforce strategies and the new collar jobs initiative.

Helping Communities Work also strives to increase financial education and literacy, create jobs, support technology transfer, broaden creative placemaking and advance the construction of affordable homes through innovations in 3-D printing.