Catalyst collaboratives are issue-based communities within our network where members and cross-sector partners come together to learn, plan and act to address specific issue areas.
Our Guide to Collaborative Philanthropy describes how we help members efficiently and effectively form and sustain collaborations. It is based on best practices identified from published research as well as interviews with members, regional associations of grantmakers, foundations, and consultants across the nation.
Sustained engagement in learning about community needs, often including presentations from stakeholders in the field of interest, but not targeting a particular goal or coordinated response. At this point, groups are feeling out a subject but not “making it official” by way of a collaborative.
In-depth exploration of community issues or concerns with the desire to identify shared solutions. This phase may also include coalition building, research, and combined funding for such efforts.
Implementation of a shared solution through aligned or pooled funding. This phase often involves cross-sector stakeholders who contribute to the long-term sustainability of the shared solution being implemented.