Helping Communities Work

Helping Communities Work (HCW) is a state-driven sustainable development strategy designed to leverage impact investing and public funding by a coalition of state service commissions and economic development agencies, signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking and the Principles for Responsible Investment and Qualified Opportunity Zone fund managers. HCW is designed for leaders in national service, community reinvestment, impact investing and philanthropy to help achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

HCW supports the growth of sustainable smart cities and age-friendly, health-conscious communities in opportunity zones and other economically-distressed areas. State service commissions and opportunity zones are designated by the governor of each state. The process will also serve to broaden the social, economic and environmental scope and community impact of CRA compliance programs. 

The Principles for Responsible Banking are a unique framework for ensuring that the strategies and practices of signatory banks align with the vision society has set out for its future in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Principles for Responsible Investment make the case for impact investing in the SDG's. https://www.unepfi.org/banking/bankingprinciples/more-about-the-principles/ - https://www.unpri.org/download?ac=5909 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.