Want to know what is working in government? Subscribe to our new Substack – “The Department of What Works”

Our Work

Sprints 2026 Calendar

Find, Fund and Implement Solutions Together

Join a growing community of local and state leaders, advocates and experts as we tackle today’s most pressing challenges through Solutions and Capacity-Building Sprints — free action-oriented learning experiences designed to create impact in communities nationwide.

Summer and Fall 2026 Sprint Calendar

Stay Connected

Contact us to receive updates about new Sprint opportunities, application deadlines and helpful resources.

Applications

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will close between three and five weeks before each Sprint starts. Links to apply will be added below as they become available.

Upcoming Sprints

Counties & Cities Budgeting for What Works Sprint

Dates: September 10 – October 15, 2026 (6-week series with weekly 90 minute sessions on Thursdays)
Audience: City and County leaders with budget oversight and/or influence.
Sprint Focus: Equip city and county leaders with strategies to embed evidence into their budget and decision-making processes.

Questions about this Sprint? Contact us.

Heirs’ Property Solutions Sprint

In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Dates: September 16 – October 28, 2026 (7-week series with weekly 90 minute sessions on Wednesdays)
Audience: Cities, counties, municipalities and states government staff, advocates and community partners committed to advancing heirs’ properties approaches.
Sprint Focus: This Solutions Sprint will support cities, counties and their partners to promote housing stability and wealth-building in their communities by preventing and addressing heirs’ properties.
Applications open July 6, 2026.

Questions about this Sprint? Contact us.

Local Education Agency Budgeting for What Works Sprint

Dates: October 6 – November 10, 2026 (6-week series with weekly 90 minute sessions on Tuesdays)
Audience: Local Education Agency leaders with budget oversight and/or influence.
Sprint Focus: Equip Local Education Agency leaders with strategies to embed evidence into their budget and decision-making processes.
Applications open in August 2026.

Questions about this Sprint? Contact us.

Workforce-Focused Contracting and Grantmaking Strategies to Deliver What Works Sprint

Dates: October 12 – November 16, 2026 (6-week series with weekly sessions)
Audience: State and local workforce boards; state workforce, SNAP and TANF agencies who fund workforce programs.
Sprint Focus: Support workforce agencies and boards to design and use an evidence framework as part of their grantmaking and contracting processes to improve worker and employer outcomes by investing in evidence-based workforce strategies.
Applications open in Summer 2026.

Questions about this Sprint? Contact us.

Summer Learning Solutions Sprint

In partnership with The Learning Agenda

Dates: October 22 – November 19, 2026 (5-week series with weekly sessions)
Audience: Local and State Education Agencies
Sprint Focus: Design, fund and implement an academic summer learning program that helps students learn and thrive.
Applications open in August 2026.

Questions about this Sprint? Contact us.

Why Join a Sprint?

Collaboration: Connect with a network of peers and partners across sectors.
Knowledge: Gain insights from expert facilitators and case studies.
Action Plans: Leave equipped with the tools and strategies to drive impact in your jurisdictions.