Sustainable Business Models for Community-Serving Organizations in Research

As the research landscape evolves, community-serving organizations (CSOs) are being widely recognized as essential infrastructure partners. Sustainable business models that support their contributions across the research lifecycle must be established. Clinical research is at an inflection point, with new opportunities to expand participation, strengthen research infrastructure, and bring studies closer to the communities they aim to serve. Realizing this potential depends on trusted relationships, community expertise, sustainable investment, and durable partnerships. CSOs are essential to this effort, helping bridge barriers to participation and connect research with the needs and priorities of communities.

In this report, FasterCures draws on the collective expertise of its Enabling Networks of Research Infrastructure for Community Health through Clinical Trials coalition to outline practical pathways for sustainable partnership. The report articulates the value proposition of community partnerships, explores funding mechanisms and opportunities for investment, and presents a seven-step framework along with illustrative case studies to help CSOs and research sponsors build durable partnerships that advance research performance and community benefit.