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Catalyzing Communities to Shape Their Own Future

We equip communities, organizations, and individuals with the tools to bridge divides, create a culture of shared responsibility, and make community a common enterprise.

Be a catalyst for change

What We Do

For 35+ years, we have innovated breakthroughs that address society’s most pressing challenges and strengthen the civic culture of our communities. In everything we do, we seek to catalyze lasting change by equipping communities to Turn Outward.

Our Work in Communities

We’re working deeply in communities that reflect America’s fault lines to demonstrate we have the will and ability to move forward. 

Get to Know Our Communities 

Enough. Time to Build. Campaign

Amid mounting challenges and another contentious election year, our campaign offers a real alternative—a civic path, not more politics.

Join the Campaign

The Harwood School

The Harwood School makes our practical philosophy and approach to change available to everyone, everywhere.

Learn the Harwood Approach

Books to Get You on a Hopeful Path

Rich Harwood’s books deliver on-the-ground examples of how change happens in communities to accelerate your leadership. 

Read Rich’s Books

The Latest from the Institute

  • A personal note in troubled times

    A message from Rich about finding hope and staying grounded during these tumultuous times.

    Read more

  • A Campaign to Reclaim Our Future

    At a time when Americans are fed up with politics, our civic campaign is spreading across the nation.

    ▶ Here's why

  • Building a Better Owensboro

    Owensboro, KY, like many places, faces a fundamental choice: Stick to the status quo and risk stagnation or seize opportunities to come together and build a better community?

    Read More

  • Frustrated by a lack of progress?

    Four members of The Harwood CIRCLE of Catalytic Funders penned this open letter making this case to funders: It’s time for a different approach to creating change in our communities.

    Read More

Harwood in the News

  • ▶ PBS Video Feature

    The Harwood Institute’s work in Alamance County featured by PBS NewsHour’s “America at a Crossroads” series

    Watch Now

  • Future Hindsight Podcast

    Rich makes his case for a civic path this election season on the Future Hindsight podcast

    Listen Now

  • Inside Philanthropy

    National philanthropic outlet covered our quest to forge a civic path out of the culture wars and rally funders

    Read Now

  • The Fulcrum Democracy Forum

    Rich Harwood interviewed for the “Change Leaders” series hosted by CityBiz/The Fulcrum

    Watch Now

  • Pensacola News Journal

    “The 4-step antidote for America’s toxic discourse”; the PNJ’s story after attending our campaign event

    Read Now

Our Founder Rich Harwood

President & Founder | Innovator. Author. Speaker.

Rich has dedicated his career to innovating a practice and a philosophy for creating lasting change that has spread to all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide. He’s dedicated his 35+ year career to revitalizing the nation’s hardest-hit communities, transforming the world’s largest organizations, and reconnecting institutions like newsrooms and schools to their role in society.