According to foundation leaders, collaboration is essential to achieving their goals, and various resources are available to help them develop and implement effective strategies. In research, 59 percent of chief executive officers identified collaboration as a vital strategy for increasing the impact of their organizations over the next couple of decades.

 

Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many foundations have combined their efforts to address the issue. For instance, Grantmakers in Health, a peer-reviewed journal for health philanthropy, has created an e-community for sharing information and strategies related to the disease. 

 

According to a new report, collaboration is critical to achieving their goals and is also very important to the success of their organizations when it comes to influencing public policies. The report states that over 80 percent of chief executive officers of foundations actively participate in collaborative efforts when it comes to influencing public policies.

 

Funders

According to the Policy Influence report, foundations are most likely to collaborate with other philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. They also frequently participate in formal initiatives and programs designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness. These include joint efforts and initiatives led by regional and issue-based foundations.

 

Some foundations also work informally by signing letters to promote policies or coordinating grantmaking efforts. They can also participate in programs and initiatives designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness.

 

Government

According to many foundation leaders, collaboration with the government is vital to achieving their goals. It allows them to communicate their message and raise awareness about the issue effectively.

 

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a criminal justice model that was designed to reduce the homicide rate in a city. The model was developed through a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.

 

Most foundation leaders also said that their organization’s long-term commitment to working with government officials is significant. A survey showed that 79 percent of the organizations that operate outside of grantmaking regularly develop and maintain relationships with local elected officials.

 

Solid relationships with local officials allow foundations to assess their goals and participate in meaningful discussions about the government’s policies.

 

One example of this is how a foundation connects with state legislators by reviewing their constituents’ needs and wants and finding relevant research that the organization’s partners or grant recipients have created. Another CEO noted that their organization works with state agencies to develop effective workforce development strategies.

 

Multi-Sector

According to the leaders of several major foundations, multi-sector partnerships are critical to achieving their goals. One example is how their organization works with state agencies and other organizations to develop effective community development strategies.

 

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a state-wide partnership between various groups to increase the availability of affordable housing.