This paper is part of Vibrant Communities’ continuing effort to strengthen the knowledge and practice of comprehensive, multisectoral approaches to poverty reduction.  It explores the idea of ‘comprehensiveness’ in order to clarify some of the conceptual and practical issues it involves.  What are the different ways to pursue comprehensive approaches to poverty reduction?  What are the strengths and limitations of such approaches in achieving deep and durable outcomes?  More than a discussion paper, this publication helps set the stage for a series of case studies to be undertaken with local partners in Vibrant Communities.