JRP provides an outstanding model of intercommunity philanthropy — sharing social and financial capital to enhance both partners’ quality of life, and to strengthen the disadvantaged community’s economy. In 2001, members of the Social Action Council of Concord’s First Unitarian Universalist Church parish were considering how to effect positive social change; they were interested in contributing not merely dollars, but active participation. They conceived the Jericho Road Project, and chose to work with nearby Lowell, where needs are great, many and various. JRP was separately incorporated as a public charity in 2002. Volunteers — including lawyers, architects, accountants, engineers and designers — assist in board development, strategic planning and business essentials. They also coach and guide budding entrepreneurs, while helping organizations become more resourceful and sustainable. JRP has contributed 107 volunteers to 178 collaborations with 48 different charities in Lowell — over 4,000 service hours and innumerable thousands of dollars’ equivalent in services. Building on these successes, JRP is now developing a “replication toolkit” with nationwide potential; a pilot is underway, connecting the resources of North Andover with the needs of Lawrence. This is an innovative model, in which your investments will go far.