About the masterclass
A tool for strategic insight and action—plus how to communicate it with your community
Community leaders face a common set of challenges: difficulty aligning stakeholders, fragmented data, uncertainty about whether programs meet true needs, and constant pressure to show impact with limited resources.
The Community Compass is designed to change that. In this free course, you’ll see how this data-driven, community-informed tool translates feedback into clear priorities—and how to communicate those priorities in ways that inspire engagement and trust.
Lori first met Hrishue in 2022 at the National Conference for Growing Community Foundations and was so impressed, that she helped bring The Community Compass to her home CF in Kansas. Now we're bringing him to YOU.
What You’ll Learn
What the Community Compass isA framework that combines survey data, community narratives, and strategic insight into one visual report showing where your community stands—and where it wants to go.
How community foundations and civic groups are using itReal-world examples of how leaders have simplified complex data into actionable insight and aligned stakeholders around shared goals.
How to generate community engagement in the processLori will share communications strategies for getting community members to take surveys, participate in roundtables, and generate project ideas.
Why it matters
Community leaders today face a common set of challenges:
Difficulty aligning stakeholders around shared priorities
Fragmented data that’s hard to interpret or act on
Uncertainty about whether current programs match what residents truly need
Pressure to show measurable impact with limited resources
The Community Compass helps solve these challenges by translating community feedback into actionable priorities—organized around investment, confidence, and commitment. It’s not just a report—it’s a shared conversation starter.
Meet the Presenters
Hrishue Mahalaha Founder, Innovation Economy Partners
Hrishue introduced the Community Compass at the National Conference for Growing Community Foundations. His method was so compelling that Lori helped bring it home to foundations in Kansas, where it is now guiding leaders to align priorities and track progress. Hrishue specializes in transforming complex data into strategic action that local leaders can actually use.
Lori Bower President, BowerComm's Community Foundation Growth Institute
Lori partners with foundations and nonprofits to transform communications from random acts into intentional strategies that move people to action. In this session, she’ll focus on how to communicate Compass findings to donors, partners, and residents—so the data not only informs, but also inspires.