As our understanding of the complexity of social issues continues to evolve, it has become clear that breakthroughs require systemic change. This requires looking at the common problem holistically, identifying and addressing the root cause rather than just focusing on the symptoms. For example, addressing girls’ access to education also requires addressing some fundamental issues, such as cultural norms, access to sanitation and menstrual hygiene, and safe transport. Solving these intersections requires a multifaceted approach, with larger pools of funding and long-term interventions essential. Collaborative philanthropy is a mechanism that brings together multiple donors who can invest at a scale and duration that is proportionate to the issue at hand.
Collaboration challenges
Collaborative philanthropy offers many benefits, but a diverse collection of funders always presents unique challenges. A common vision and common purpose are essential for successful collaboration. In fact, one of the prerequisites for forming a collaboration is that all partners participating in the collaboration must be aligned in its objectives. At the start, the proposed partner must define its objectives. What will the collaboration achieve? A key element of purpose is determining the path the collaboration will choose to have an impact. Collaboratives may be formed to advocate for policies, disseminate knowledge, mobilize resources, or implement programs. Clarity of purpose allows collaborating companies to recruit the right partners, coordinate diverse capabilities, and assign appropriate roles and responsibilities to partners.
Bridgespan Group’s research on collaborative philanthropy found that 48% of survey respondents believe one of the fundamental challenges to philanthropy collaboration is a lack of clarity. Partner roles and responsibilities regarding decision-making and areas where partner capabilities need to be established. It is also important to maintain the power relationship between large and small funders. The role of each partner in the governance structure and the criteria for allocating voting rights must be determined first. Establishing processes for good governance can help overcome gridlock caused by disagreements. Having a separate body that enforces due process makes communication easier. Intermediary organizations may also be involved to manage cooperation between funders. These have proven to be an effective way to delegate organizational funds, facilitate coordination, and provide strategic information about the important decisions that collaborators need to make.
Defining milestones is the logical next step after creating a collaboration. Consensus should be built based on setting short- and long-term goals, performance metrics, periodic reviews, and evaluations. Here you need to build consensus based on strategic goals and how progress will be measured. Many external factors can come into play during this period. One example of this is that schools have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has required a review of existing mechanisms for measuring learning outcomes. Therefore, you must always keep the larger goal in mind and ensure openness between partners to modify processes in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Building a relationship of trust with grant recipients
Another important aspect that collaborative philanthropy must keep in mind is the inherent power relationship between funders and grantees. A balance must be achieved between adherence to goals and the flexibility needed to respond to factors impacting the communities that grantees serve. The grassroots knowledge of grantees or implementing partners must be respected. We must recognize that working with communities is not a linear process and may require reinvention and innovation during the course of a program or project. One of the benefits of collaborative philanthropy for grantees is the promise of long-term funding. Building scope for adaptive use of funds not only fosters innovation among grantees, but also helps foster trust with collaborators. Additionally, establishing transparency around processes and expectations, simplifying paperwork, and creating feedback loops will help all parties hold each other accountable and communicate challenges in a timely manner.
Creating value through collaborative philanthropy
Collaborative philanthropy brings together organizations with diverse profiles and expertise, paving the way to leveraging this to address a range of barriers. Collaboration partners can be assigned roles and responsibilities based on the skills they bring to the table. Working together creates synergy and can have a much greater overall impact than either philanthropic or implementing partner could do alone.
With a very traditional approach to philanthropy, nonprofits face the risk of a lack of funding. Here, collaborative philanthropy minimizes this risk by spreading the pool of funds across a number of funders, including core funders who commit to funding the collaboration over a period of time. Masu. This ensures a multi-year flow of funding, enabling strategic plans and programs with longer-term impact. Programs and collaborations are also much less likely to fail if there is an appropriate time frame for implementing strategies and adapting to external dynamics. Collaboration also minimizes duplication of effort for organizations working alone. By bringing together many organizations with a holistic view of the problem at hand, areas of intervention that have previously received less attention can be addressed.
Collaborative philanthropy is emerging as a means to strengthen efforts to solve pervasive social problems. Collaboration, by its very nature, facilitates opportunities to create and share knowledge. With robust governance structures and operational mechanisms, collaborative philanthropy can unlock the potential to mobilize diverse experiences, knowledge and resources to create lasting impact.
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are the author’s own.
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