Collaboration

Meaningful collaboration with grantmaking peers and community partners is a fundamental strategy for engaging nonprofit and community partners and strengthening the philanthropic sector to achieve systems change. Collaboration extends beyond coordination or resource pooling to encompass genuine partnerships with other grantmakers and cross-sector partners that leverage diverse perspectives, expertise and resources in service of a shared vision. When grantmakers engage in true collaboration, they create opportunities for aligned action that amplifies community voices and priorities.

Figure 21 shows more than half of grantmakers (57 percent) often work with other funders and 55 percent work with public or private sector partners to collaboratively advance a shared vision. It is notable that grantmakers appear to be engaging in collaborative work within the philanthropic sector and across sectors in relatively equal measure. This balanced approach ensures grantmakers are sharing and generating ideas with a diverse set of partners.

Figure 21. Collaboration Toward Shared Vision. The chart shows how frequently foundations collaborate toward a shared vision with grantmakers and cross-sector partners. Among those engaging grantmakers, 57% do so often, 24% sometimes, 15% occasionally, and 5% never. Among those engaging cross-sector partners, 55% do so often, 25% sometimes, 15% occasionally, and 5% never. Most foundations report collaborating frequently toward a shared vision with both grantmakers and cross-sector partners.

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