Three-year Case Study of National Organizations Participating in a Nutrition Cohort: A Unique Funder-initiated Learning Collaborative

Improving food access is a complex challenge, and a broad range of U.S. nonprofit organizations are working to create positive change. In an attempt to amplify the impact of a single organization, foundations have begun funding collaboratives of multiple, high-achieving organizations. This three-year case study documents the successes, challenges, and recommendations of the funder-initiated but grantee-driven Nutrition Cohort. The Cohort, initiated and funded by a foundation, includes six nutrition-focused member organizations, and was evaluated by a university partner (Tufts University). Study data from three annual waves of collection a * Corresponding author: Sarah A. Amin, Ph.D., MPH, Research Assistant Professor, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University; 75 Kneeland Street; Boston, Massachusetts 02111 USA; +1-617636-0928; s.amin@tufts.edu b Megan Lehnerd, MS, Doctoral Candidate, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University; 75 Kneeland Street; Boston, Massachusetts 02111 USA; megan.lehnerd@tufts.edu c Sean B. Cash, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University; 150 Harrison Avenue; Boston, Massachusetts 02111 USA; sean.cash@tufts.edu d Christina D. Economos, Ph.D., Professor & Director of ChildObesity180, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University; 75 Kneeland Street; Boston, Massachusetts 02111 USA; Christina.economos@tufts.edu e Jennifer M. Sacheck, Ph.D., Sanofi Professor of Prevention and Wellness, and Chair, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University; 950 New Hampshire Avenue; Washington, DC 20052 USA; jsacheck25@gwu.edu