Creative Clusters
Creative Clusters are where sleeves get rolled up and real work happens.
We assess, imagine and create real solutions that keep families together.
Each Cluster takes on one challenge that drives family separation and creates solutions that change outdated policies, practices, and mindsets. Creative Clusters result in action and a playbook for scaling.
Over 18 months, bold ideas become working models. Working models become Playbooks. Playbooks become real change for real families.
Current Clusters — Apply Now
CC1:
Rooted — Housing Solution to Prevent Family Separation
More than 10% of children enter foster care because their families can't access stable housing. This Cluster is building a replicable, publicly-funded strategy to prevent entries before they happen.
CC2:
The Reimagining — Rethinking Termination of Parental Rights
TPR is one of the most consequential decisions in child welfare. This Cluster is designing and launching a pilot to test approaches to reduce the use of TPR. Initial design partners are in Washington and Colorado
CC3:
The Innovation Ecosystem — Infrastructure for Innovation
Child welfare needs dreamers and builders. This Cluster is assessing the conditions in child welfare and designing approaches that contribute to a vibrant connected ecosystem.
What's included:
18 months of structured working group sessions
Facilitation from Matt, Cheri, and partners
Access to the national IF learning community
Partner org and cross-agency connection
Playbook—your community's guide to solutions
Schedule:
Months 1–3: Define the challenge, map the landscape, build the team
Months 4–9: Engage partners, design solutions, gather feedback
Months 10–15: Refine the model, document the process
Months 16–18: Finalize Playbook, prepare for implementation, develop scaling strategies
You'll leave with:
Playbook guide to replicate solutions
Community of like-minded creative disruptors
Relationships built over 18 months of real work
A seat at the table for future work phases
Facilitators
Matt Anderson
Co-Founder + CEO
Cheri Williams
Co-Founder + Chief Program Officer
Partner organizations include: Children's Home Society of Florida, Washington Office of Public Defense, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, and West Michigan Partnership for Children.
“The Housing Cluster connected us with national innovators — and brought real co-design back to our local community.”
— SONIA NOORMAN, CEO, WEST MICHIGAN PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
Ready to do the real work?
Hybrid | 18 months | Cohort-based working groups
Cost varies—contact us to discuss
Apply to CC1: Rooted—Housing→
Apply to CC2: Reimagining TPR→
Apply to CC3: Incubator for Founders→
Not sure which Cluster fits?
Book a call with Matt or Cheri→
Creative Clusters FAQs
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Leaders and organizations working on the specific challenge the Cluster is tackling. Each Cluster has its own participation criteria — apply and we'll tell you if you're a fit.
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A Playbook — a detailed, replicable guide for co-building a place-based, human-centered solution with your community. Plus 18 months of peer relationships and national learning community access.
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Significant. This is 18 months of real work, not a workshop series. Expect regular working sessions plus independent work between calls. Exact cadence shared with accepted participants.
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Each Cluster starts with a specific challenge surfaced at Untethered. IF curates the team, facilitates the process, and supports the group across the full 18 months.
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Contact us. We work with organizations across budget sizes and prioritize leaders with proximity to the communities they serve.
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Pick the challenge that matches your work and your community's needs. If you're unsure, reach out — we'll help you find your fit.
