Place-based organizations, such as non-profit or public universities, are important economic engines in their cities and regions. These “anchor institutions” have significant economic footprints and can form powerful local partnerships to improve the social and economic conditions of the communities in which they are rooted.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a unique history and face a special set of challenges in fully realizing their role as anchors. Traditionally, as institutions focused on serving their communities, the anchor mission has been more central to the identity of HBCUs than has been the case for predominantly white institutions.