Promising Practices
The Promising Practices database informs professionals and community members about documented approaches to improving community health and quality of life.
The ultimate goal is to support the systematic adoption, implementation, and evaluation of successful programs, practices, and policy changes. The database provides carefully reviewed, documented, and ranked practices that range from good ideas to evidence-based practices.
Learn more about the ranking methodology.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Domestic Violence & Abuse, Rural
The goal of the Appalachian Violence Outreach Network is to identify and provide services to women living in rural, underserved areas that have experienced interpersonal violence.
Filed under Good Idea, Environmental Health / Environmental Justice, Children
To enhance academic performance and imbue global citizenship by nurturing children’s creativity, developing empathy, and instilling healthy lifestyles.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Community & Business Resources, Adults
The goal of the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown program is to raise awareness and sales of locally grown farm products.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Alternative Medicine, Urban
Being Alive is a nonprofit membership organization created and operated by and for people living with HIV/AIDS that aims to build a healthier and more powerful community of HIV-positive people.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Children's Health, Children, Adults, Women, Men, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
The Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation (CCWF) mission is for every child and adolescent to be supported in positive development by caregivers and professionals within loving, non-violent families and peaceful communities. Through parent groups and educational workshops we strive to promote a sense of community and foster empathy.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Crime & Crime Prevention, Children, Teens
The goal of this program is to provide abused, abandoned and neglected girls and boys with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence to get better and learn skills to become productive citizens.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Teens, Urban
The goal of Brainfood is to engage young people in healthy, creative cooking activities to build life skills and promote healthy living.
Filed under Effective Practice, Economy / Economic Climate
The purpose of California Main Street is to educate and provide assistance to California communities about how they can revitalize their downtowns or core commercial districts using the self-help Main Street Four-Point Approach. Through this education on how traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts can become and remain vital economic, social, and cultural centers, the community's development leads to livable and sustainable practices that ultimately improve its quality of life.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Civic Engagement, Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
The Initiative's goal was to increase voter participation rates among infrequent voters, particularly in low-income and ethnic communities.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Student Performance K-12, Children, Teens, Adults, Urban
The goal of the program is to provide at-risk youth with mentorship and employment skills.