Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services
Equity-Focused Strategies for Impactful Grantmaking
Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services
Buncombe County DHHS partnered with Indigo Innovation Group to assess the equity and impact of the Isaac Coleman Economic Development Program. The collaboration established systems and structures grounded in transparency and strategic grantmaking, driving greater impact.
About Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services
Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of individuals and families in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, DHHS supports community development initiatives and fosters equitable opportunities for all residents.
Tracey Greene-Washington is a dynamic facilitator and consultant who provided 'tough love' in the most caring way.
- Rasheeda McDaniels Hall
Challenge
The Isaac Coleman Economic Development Program, led by Buncombe County DHHS, aimed to assess its equity, impact, and programmatic implementation of policies and practices. The challenge involved evaluating stakeholder relationships, identifying gaps in systems and structures, and implementing a transparent and equitable framework to strengthen the program's outcomes for future funding cycles.
Systemic inequities were leading to disparities in health outcomes across the county.
Solution
Indigo Innovation Group collaborated with Buncombe County DHHS to design and implement an assessment and equity-focused framework for the Isaac Coleman Economic Development Program. Key elements of the collaboration included:
Stakeholder Engagement: Conducted interviews with key stakeholders, including commissioners, institutions, grantees, and grassroots leaders, to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
Facilitation and Convening: Utilized a four-phased framework—Healing, Navigating, Strategizing, and Leveraging—to level-set relationships between institutional partners and grantees.
Data Analysis and Recommendations: Completed a comprehensive report and presentation to DHHS leadership, staff, and County Commissioners, providing actionable recommendations and data-driven insights.
This tailored approach equipped Buncombe County DHHS with the tools and strategies needed to drive greater equity and transparency in its grantmaking process.
Results
The collaboration with Indigo Innovation Group led to the following outcomes:
Strengthened relationships between institutional partners and grantees through structured facilitation and open dialogue.
Identified and addressed gaps in systems and structures, creating a foundation for equitable and strategic grantmaking.
Delivered a comprehensive final report with actionable recommendations, driving greater impact in the 2019-2020 funding cycle.
Impact
Impact: The Isaac Coleman Economic Development Program, guided by Indigo’s equity-focused assessment and framework, has positioned Buncombe County DHHS to achieve lasting, systemic change. The collaborative approach continues to influence grantmaking practices, ensuring equitable opportunities for all stakeholders and fostering stronger community partnerships.
It was a joy to work with Mrs. Greene-Washington as she has the ability to ask thought-provoking questions and manage challenging personalities.
- Rasheeda McDaniels Hall
