This research brief summarizes findings from a qualitative study examining the core features of basic needs support. The goal of the brief is to provide clear guidance to community college leadership and staff on six promising features that colleges should build into their basic needs support approaches. These include: (1) comprehensive basic needs supports; (2) dedicated basic needs supports staff and partnerships; (3) broad outreach efforts; (4) streamlined intake and case management; (5) an institutional culture that prioritizes basic needs support; (6) and data-informed practices. To identify these features, the authors conducted a literature review, consulted five national experts on basic needs evidence, and interviewed staff and leadership at 16 community colleges identified as leaders in basic needs support across California, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.