CFLeads, in partnership with ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, is pleased to announce the launch of the Fall 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Community Foundation Cohort, a virtual learning initiative designed to help community foundations deepen their community leadership through the local application of the global United Nations SDG framework.
This program will support participating community foundations and community serving organizations in aligning their local priorities with the SDGs –17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations that address urgent challenges like poverty, health equity, climate action, and inclusive economic development. While many foundations already work in these areas, the SDGs provide a comprehensive, globally recognized framework that can help foundations clarify goals, coordinate strategies, measure outcomes, and engage diverse community stakeholders more effectively.
CFLeads’ Framework for Community Leadership is a key part of the cohort curriculum, ensuring that foundations build their capacity not just to fund programs, but to serve as trusted conveners, catalysts for change, and long-term stewards of community well-being. Together, CFLeads and ABFE aim to equip community foundations with the strategies and support needed to lead courageously on the issues that matter most.
ABFE and CFLeads are proud to announce the following foundations selected to participate in the Fall 2025 SDG Community Foundation Cohort:
- Atchison Area Community Foundation
- Ayiti Community Trust
- Battle Creek Community Foundation
- Borealis Philanthropy
- Central New York Community Foundation
- Community Foundation of Greenville
- Foundation for Northwest Illinois
- Foundation For The Mid South
- Gulf Coast Community Foundation
- Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
- Invest STL
- Solano Community Foundation
- The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
These foundations represent a cross-section of geographies and focus areas, but all share a common commitment to equity, transparency, and bold community leadership. Over the course of the program, they will work to integrate the SDG framework into their organizational strategies, with the goal of achieving stronger, more coordinated, and more accountable impact.
The cohort is generously supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
