Inspired Learning: Evaluation of Vibrant Communities’ National Supports

Vibrant Communities (VC) was a ten-year action research initiative that involved 13 Canadian communities.  They all sought effective local solutions to poverty reduction by applying comprehensive approaches. The objectives of this pan-Canadian learning partnership were to reduce poverty, increase engagement, change public policy and enable community innovation.

VC was established in 2002 through the partnership of three national sponsors – Tamarack – An Institute for Community Engagement, the Caledon Institute and The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation – and 13 communities across the country. Tamarack was responsible for overall leadership, coaching and strategy.  The J.W. McConnell Family foundation provided grants to Trail Builder communities, hosted periodic funders’ forums and shaped the dissemination strategy. Caledon prepared relevant policy papers, documented local efforts and helped design an evaluation framework for the initiative.

Vibrant Communities has had a positive impact on thousands of low-income households across Canada. This report outlines the results of providing national supports to such a large and complex pan-Canadian initiative.