Assessing Local Solutions Support Center's efforts to form and maintain relationships with Black-led organizations

this project will assist rwjf in gaining a better understanding of how the local solutions support center (lssc) forms and maintains relationships with organizations headed up by black, indigenous, and other people of color (bipoc) leaders whose advocacy work is essential in countering abusive pre-emption. given the importance of connecting with communities and leaders most affected by inequitable systems, this assessment will explore how lssc's processes, structures, and programs incorporate a racial equity lens; how bipoc leaders experience their relationship with lssc; and how the intentions and capabilities of lssc staffers, funders, and equity consultants translate in forming and maintaining the relationship with key bipoc-led organizations. the project team will take a qualitative approach to collecting data, including a document review, kick-off listening sessions with key rwjf and lssc partners, and up to 30 follow-up interviews with key informants, including lssc's partners and leaders, lssc's equity consultant, and other funders. final deliverables will include a two-page summary of key learnings, a slide deck, and a final report. external deliverables will be determined in consultation with rwjf.