One of the biggest and most frustrating problems in private philanthropy is the lack of coordination among stakeholders to solve problems. Working against the norm, a group of prominent funders, government officials and service providers initiated the Bridge Builders project to work in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, which historically had the worst foster care record in New York City. The project's goals included reducing the placement of children into foster care, shortening the length of stay for children in care, and preventing re-entry into foster care. The project also included exhaustive evaluation by the University of Chicago's Chapin Hall and an executive committee.
The Heckscher Foundation made its final grant to Bridge Builders in 2009 as the collaborative effort made the transition to public funding via New York City's Administration for Children's Services. In the meantime, Bridge Builders' community-based prevention strategies are showing strong results, with the Highbridge foster care census declining in comparison to similar neighborhoods and many more families receiving preventative care.
