The SDGs Are Good For Us
This workshop report explores how community foundations and their support organisations can use the Sustainable Development Goals as a strategic framework. It presents Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s experience of embedding the SDGs across its vision, strategy, donor engagement, partnerships, community conversations and impact reporting. The report also examines effective partnership models and identifies practical roles for support organisations in building capability, sharing evidence and helping community foundations connect local action with global goals.
Northamptonshire tackles SDGs locally and comprehensively (focus on Goal 16)
This piece shows how Northamptonshire Community Foundation embeds the SDGs into everyday practice, with a strong focus on building safe, inclusive communities. Through targeted funding, partnerships, and community engagement, it supports initiatives ranging from refugee resettlement to youth violence prevention and access to justice. By aligning internal structures and programmes with SDG 16, the foundation demonstrates how global goals can be translated into tangible local outcomes, strengthening trust, belonging, and community resilience.
Povezivanje lokalnih fondacija sa Ciljevima održivog razvoja
This Serbian-language guide shows how community foundations can connect local action with the Sustainable Development Goals and embed the SDG framework across their entire organisation. Drawing on examples from Europe and Canada, it covers mission, investment, strategy, grantmaking, communications, operations, community data and partnerships. The publication also offers ten practical steps to help community foundations understand, adopt and use the SDGs to strengthen their relevance, credibility and local impact.
From SDG Talk to Action
This publication explores how community foundations across Europe are integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every aspect of their work through a whole-of-organisation approach. It documents ECFI’s collaboration with national support organisations to deliver SDG workshops, examines their impact on community foundations, identifies common challenges and good practices, and presents case studies from across Europe demonstrating how the SDGs can strengthen community leadership, strategy, communications, investment, and organisational development.
ЗВ’ЯЗОК МІЖ ФОНДАМИ ГРОМАД ТА ЦІЛЯМИ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ
Connecting CF with the SDGs – Ukrainian version by ECFI. A practical guide for community foundations practitioners on why and how to embrace the SDGs
Angazhimi i fondacioneve komunitare me ozhqtë
Connecting CF with the SDGs – Albanian version by ECFI. A practical guide for community foundations practitioners on why and how to embrace the SDGs
Connettere le fondazioni di comunità con gli obiettivi di sviluppo sostenibile
Connecting CF with the SDGs – Italian version by ECFI. A practical guide for community foundations practitioners on why and how to embrace the SDGs
SDGs and Vital Signs – a powerful combination to shape a leadership role (North Milan Greater Area Foundation)
The North Milan Greater Area Foundation (NMGAF) has become a pioneer in Italy by linking the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the Vital Signs approach. Working with the University of Milan-Bicocca, it gathered community data, facilitated focus groups, and created a shared agenda for action. By translating global goals into local indicators, NMGAF empowered NGOs and municipalities to align their work with the SDGs—turning abstract principles into practical community action. The foundation is now recognised as a trusted local leader and hub for knowledge and collaboration.
SDGs are embedded in our Values and Vision
This article by Rachel McGrath of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation explains how the foundation integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its core vision and business plan. Seeing itself as both locally rooted and globally connected, the foundation embraced the principle of “think global, act local.” The SDGs now guide its grantmaking, communication, and evaluation—helping align local giving with global priorities. The foundation also plans to support partners and donors in understanding and applying the SDGs in their own work.
How are the SDGs relevant to community foundations?
The paper How are the SDGs relevant to community foundations? highlights how community foundations connect local action with global goals. Their place-based knowledge, trust-building capacity, and cross-sector partnerships make them powerful agents for sustainable development. By aligning their strategies with the SDGs, community foundations can better demonstrate impact, attract partners, and strengthen legitimacy. Embracing the SDGs not only frames existing work but inspires new collaborations and innovations that link community well-being with global responsibility.
