WELCOME!

The CornerStone Initiative is a faith-based, community development organization committed to the vision of providing comprehensive solutions to poverty. To this end, CornerStone seeks to;  

1. serve as a community “hub” for the coordination and dissemination of information and services for under-resourced communities (including Centers for Excellence which will be strategically-located, easily assessable “one-stop shop” resource centers for multi-faceted services) and
2. provide organizational, volunteer, and financial support to build the capacity of agencies and organizations serving the community.

CornerStone does not provide direct services or support to individuals or families. Our goal is assess, develop, and partner with local community and faith-based organizations as they seek to serve and carry out their mission and vision.

For Service Providers (Agencies and Nonprofits)

Many organizations struggle to maintain healthy viable operations. Besides financial challenges, many groups are in need of services that will help raise the level of their accountability and stewardship. Most community practitioners are passionate about serving their communities and fulfilling their mission but may need additional operational support for greater stability and long-term sustainability. Such support services may include such things as strategic planning, grant-writing, or understanding logic models and outcome measures. Deploying these tools will help agencies leverage limited resources and implement research-driven methodologies that have a corresponding measurable impact in their communities.

That’s how CornerStone can help…

For Donors and Volunteers (Individuals, Industry & Business, Corporate Funders, Foundations)

There are also many who have a desire to volunteer themselves or contribute their means to agencies and organizations that are making a difference in communities but do not have sufficient time or energy to properly vet prospective nonprofit service providers. Donors want to be sure that their time, energy, and means are being leveraged in such a way that will have the greatest impact and investment in the community.

That’s also where CornerStone can help…

The CornerStone Initiative is seeking to work with as many community and faith-based organizations and agencies as are in need of the services we offer. The following list is not exhaustive but agencies we serve may represent areas such as:  

• Disaster Response  
• Affordable Housing  
• Education  
• Food Security  
• Health and Medical  
• Workforce Development  
• Social and Economic Justice  
• Mental and Emotional Wellness  
• Business and Leadership Training and Development

CornerStone is interested in providing support services to organizations that come alongside of families in asset-strapped communities and commit themselves to providing a continuum of care that moves them from crisis to self-sustainability.

We believe that when service providers across various sectors; community and faith-based organizations, local, county, and state agencies; business and industry leaders and organizations become intentional about working together to promote holistic community development and focus on issues that affect the quality of life for everyone, then we can “lift all boats” and enjoy safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities!

If you’re interested in getting involved, either as an agency practitioner or partner, donor, and volunteer, we welcome your participation and support… Feel free to check out our website and let us know how we can be of service! Yours in Service,

Derek L. Lane Executive Director, The CornerStone Initiative