Abstract
Purpose. The relationships among actors (citizens, private, public, and nonprofit) in a collaborative in the city of El Monte were examined to better understand how communities organize to solve problems successfully over the long term in this new model of place-based problem solving. The purpose was to determine which antecedents were present for collaboration in the El Monte Community Building Initiative (CBI) and to see how each participant contributes. Further, this research studied the interdependencies of actors in the CBI to examine if the members have the connections required for sustainability as they provide critical services to citizens in need. Theoretical Framework. This research integrates several theories related to nonprofits and place-based collaborations. This research examined organizations through the theoretical lenses of interest group ecology, collaboration, and social capital. Organizations avoid competition and demise by learning to collaborate as they adapt into ecological niches, especially as they serve low-income communities. Collaboration allows organizations to ameliorate community, place-based problems and can help to create social capital. Methodology. This mixed methods, embedded single case study examined the collaborative organizations involved in the El Monte Community Building Initiative to determine if they possess the attributes that contribute to collaboration and sustainability. An interview survey instrument was used to gain quantitative and qualitative data from 14 participants in the El Monte Community Building Initiative. Social network analysis was performed using UCINET to examine collaborative relationships. Findings. The El Monte CBI possessed the antecedents for collaboration as well as the factors for sustainability. The actors possess strong ties, with a cohesiveness among members, which fosters sustainability. While the CBI as a formal organization will sunset, this cohesiveness translates to successful collaborative activity for actors currently involved. Conclusions. This dissertation adds to the body of knowledge by examining place-based initiatives, a new method of problem solving. This research examined the El Monte CBI and determined that while the formal organization of the CBI will dissolve at the conclusion of funding from the California Community Foundation, new organizations are being established to further the goals of creating a college-going culture and improving the health and well-being of the community.