This research brief was designed as a hand-out for broad circulation among community arts practitioners as well as advocates and funders of community-based cultural programs. SIAP research in Philadelphia demonstrates that community arts activity can be a driving force behind the revitalization of neighborhoods. Culture Builds Community, an initiative of the William Penn Foundation, supported community arts programs in Greater Philadelphia from 1997-2001. Evaluation of this initiative, led by the Social Impact of the Arts Project at the University of Pennsylvania (SIAP), focused on the ability of these organizations to build their own capacity while strengthening their community.