·        improve their understanding of the interrelationships among issues that are unique to low-income

       communities and decisions affecting how and where communities grow and develop; and

·        provide access to people, tools and resources to help make them a more effective grant maker in

       influencing these decisions both through policy and practice in ways that are responsive to the needs

       and assets of low-income communities.

PLACES fellows are selected from a field of outstanding funders who are:

• working to advance fairness and opportunity for the underserved, further public health to serve the needs of diverse populations, protect natural resources, or develop a more sustainable economy;

• seeking new ways to promote the values of fairness, public participation, opportunity and access in land use and development decisions in both the communities and institutions where they work; and

• acquiring additional knowledge and skills to increase their capacity to provide leadership on issues facing communities as they grow and develop and issues in the philanthropic field.

The fellowship explores how race, class and complex social, economic, environmental and health issues intersect.  Fellows interface with nationally renowned expert lecturers.  The focus is real world learning, problem-solving, tools and strategies.