This case study is part of a group of case studies in The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation, developed by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in collaboration with its community of collective social innovators. This report showcases how collective social innovators are shaping new governance models, aggregating resources, and developing vast datasets to support decision-making and policy-making.
__
Tamarack began in the 1990s with conversations between non-profit leaders Paul Born and Alan Broadbent on how to unite communities to address poverty. This vision became a national movement in 2002 with the launch of Vibrant Communities, a 10-year, cross-sector initiative that engaged 13 cities. The results exceeded expectations—over 250,000 people benefited, with 15% reporting a lasting poverty reduction.
Over time, Tamarack expanded its focus beyond poverty to include belonging, climate transitions, and youth futures—each supported by networks of local collaboratives driving large-scale change. Today, more than 37,000 changemakers worldwide use Tamarack’s resources, consulting, and coaching to advance community-driven solutions.
View the detailed case studies: The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation