We often ask diverse communities, “What are your cimientos and structure?”  At the heart of our findings regarding the key tenants of community development are cimientos, structure, and strategy.  Cimientos is Spanish for "foundation," in other words the principle upon which something stands or is supported.  Structure is the arrangement of and relations between the parts of something complex that stands on said cimientos.  Strategy is the plan of action that ultimately constructs and maintains accountability for cimientos and structure.  Every community must have strong cimientos, structure, and strategy to flourish.  Stated simply, communities must have strong founding principles, a strong comprehensive strategy, and a strong accountability mechanism.  This can mean the difference between true development with clockwork efficiency and a confused lack of productivity and development.  The consequences of not having any one of these elements can hardly be overstated.  Distrust and confusion within the community, inefficient and undirected activities, the creation of layers of useless bureaucracy, and a considerably damaged public profile are all common results of inefficient cimientos, structure, and strategy.  

 

The Cimientos & Structure Community Development Fund was established to marshal resources to assist communities seeking to establish strong cimientos, structure, and strategy principles via our initiatives, services, or programs.  All communities from small businesses to cities are welcome to apply for funds.  Current members of the International Community Development Network [ICDN] will receive special consideration.