Partnering with other stakeholders is essential to achieving effective and impactful change in today's philanthropic landscape. Partnerships help donors amplify their impact by leveraging the expertise and resources of other stakeholders. They also offer exposure to innovative ideas and practices. Collaborations with stakeholders play a pivotal role in addressing complex social and environmental challenges, particularly when working toward ambitious global objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter equips philanthropists with helpful insights for navigating partnerships with grantees, communities, governments, NGOs, and other donors.

Effective philanthropy thrives on collaborative efforts with the grantees and communities you seek to impact. Some of the many forms this partnership can take include co-design of programs, participatory decisionmaking, capacity building, community consultation, data sharing, and co-funding. Success in these partnerships hinges on true engagement, a genuine willingness to learn (i.e. having a beginner’s mind), and the provision of essential support and resources. Trust, mutual respect, transparency, and prioritizing listening and learning are pivotal to their success.

Prioritize listening and learning.

Donors’ listening and learning form the cornerstone of successful partnerships. This involves more than just passive observation; it's an active, ongoing process that requires donors to:

  • Dive deep into understanding the needs and perspectives of grantees and communities. To go beyond surface-level comprehension, immerse yourself in their world, acknowledging their unique experiences, and understanding the challenges they face. Take the time to learn about the context in which they operate and the history that shapes their community. This will require regular, meaningful conversations with grantees and community members. These dialogues should be open, honest, and devoid of power dynamics. Create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their insights, feedback, and concerns.
  • Go beyond the boardroom and conduct site visits to see firsthand the environments in which your partners work. Immerse yourself in their daily reality. This not only demonstrates your commitment but also allows you to witness the impact of your philanthropic efforts and identify potential areas for improvement. Be acutely aware of practices that could be seen as extractive, where you take more from the community than you give back. Ensure that your interactions do not burden your partners, but instead provide mutual benefits and opportunities for growth.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms that are accessible and responsive. Surveys, focus groups, and regular check-ins can provide a structured way to collect input from grantees and communities. These mechanisms should be designed to minimize burdens on those grantees, and to ensure feedback is constructive. Importantly, demonstrate a willingness to adapt your strategies based on the insights you gain. This adaptability shows that you value the expertise of your partners.

Prioritizing listening and learning requires a genuine commitment to being an active and empathetic partner. It not only fosters trust and mutual respect but also allows you to co-create more impactful solutions by leveraging the wisdom and experience of your grantees and communities.

Read the full PDF from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.