Giving Compass' Take:

• The author discusses how donors should pivot toward collaborative philanthropic partnerships and outlines three barriers that funders must overcome to achieve collaborative philanthropy. 

• What are the benefits of collaboration within the social sector? Are donors open to models centered on partnerships? 

• Read more about strategic collaboration. 

Today, all over the globe, we have a generation of remarkable social change leaders. They are proving it’s possible to make progress against global challenges, at the individual and community-level, and are now pivoting to focus on solving these problems at scale in deeper partnership with government, other NGOs, and the private sector.

We also have more collaborative philanthropists with more resources than ever before, many of whom share a strong aspiration for massive and enduring impact.

In recent years, I’ve spoken to hundreds of philanthropists and social change leaders around the world about this market failure. My work and experience have led me to conclude that if we are to realize our potential, we must first overcome three main barriers:

  1. Most giving remains relatively small and fragmented, and not aligned with what’s required for large-scale and enduring impact.
  2. Investment-ready systems change efforts are rare; few social change leaders have built robust strategies, capabilities and partnerships to drive systems change, although many have the vision and ability to do so.
  3. There aren’t enough efficient mechanisms for philanthropists to find and support high-potential investments, and to connect and collaborate with one another in a deep and meaningful way, especially across borders.

Most of all, we have been inspired by numerous impressive social change leaders from different parts of the world. We are eager to provide them the financial and nonfinancial support to drive systems change and improve the lives of millions.

Read the full article by Olivia Leland about collaborative philanthropy from Stanford Social Innovation Review.