Learning Communities: A Catalyst for Stronger Connections and Partnerships

By: Tiffany Smith and Erica Weinberg

Funders have more to offer than dollars alone. By creating intentional spaces where organizations and stakeholders can come together, philanthropy can cultivate trust, foster collaboration, and spark the kind of learning that leads to lasting change. Learning Communities are one of the most effective ways to do this — helping funders and grantees move beyond transactional relationships into authentic partnerships that fuel innovation and deepen impact.

What We Mean by a Learning Community

A Learning Community is a structured, intentional space where organizations with shared goals or challenges come together to:

• Explore new perspectives and practices

• Share candid experiences and lessons learned

  • Exchange resources and strategies

• Mentor and support one another over time

When done well, Learning Communities are not “one-off” convenings. They are ongoing ecosystems of trust where ideas can percolate, partnerships can flourish, and collective wisdom can inform smarter grantmaking.

Why They Matter

• For funders, Learning Communities are a chance to:

  • Build credibility and expertise on mission-aligned issues

  • Strengthen ties with grantees and stakeholders

  • Create spaces where new ideas and collaborations take root

  For grantees, they offer:

  • Peer connection and partnership opportunities

  • Increased knowledge- and resource-sharing

  • Strengthened organizational and programmatic capacity

  Most importantly, they shift power dynamics by recognizing that grantees are experts in their own work and should help shape the agenda.

Learning Communities in Action

Take the first step — even if it’s small.
Don’t let the pursuit of the perfect be the enemy of the good. A grantee connection call, a peer-led check-in, or even a simple program newsletter can be the spark that begins to knit together a community. Starting small also creates room to learn what resonates before scaling.

Be honest about what you can deliver — and what you can’t.
Funders don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, authenticity builds trust. When expectations are clear and realistic, grantees are more willing to engage and co-create. Being transparent also sets a healthier tone for collaboration.

Build a strong foundation with feedback, input, and co-creation.
Partners are the experts in their own work. Learning Communities thrive when agendas and formats are shaped by those who will benefit most. Creating opportunities for peer exchange, peer-led content, and peer-driven problem-solving ensures relevance and ownership.

Invest in connection, not just content.
It’s tempting to focus heavily on technical expertise or issue-area presentations. But equally valuable are the informal moments: networking breaks, speed-dating exercises, or open-ended calls designed for connection. These are often where the most meaningful partnerships begin.

Give ideas time to percolate.
Deep learning doesn’t happen in a single session. Build in space for reflection, follow-up, and adjustment. When participants have the chance to test an idea, come back, and refine it, the community becomes a laboratory for real innovation.

Remember that everything is intersectional.
Progress on one issue often depends on progress in others. For example, addressing health equity requires attention to housing, food security, mental health, and substance use. Designing Learning Communities that embrace these intersections helps organizations see connections, reduce silos, and pursue more comprehensive solutions.

Foster an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
For participants to speak openly about challenges, they need to feel safe. External facilitators who bring credibility, cultural currency, and deep knowledge can help create that environment. Funders should also consider carefully when to be in the room and when to step back.

Support organizations as they bring learnings home.
The work doesn’t end when the session closes. Communities are most effective when there’s support for applying new ideas in real-world contexts — whether through technical assistance, peer coaching, or simply time to reflect.

Take risks — and normalize learning from mistakes.
Every Learning Community is an experiment. What matters most is building a culture where missteps are not failures but opportunities to adapt. Funders who embrace this mindset encourage their partners to do the same.

The Bigger Picture

Learning Communities are not just about sharing knowledge. They are about building the connective tissue that allows organizations and funders to achieve more together than they ever could alone.

When philanthropy invests in spaces that encourage listening, exchange, and collective action, the result is more than stronger organizations — it’s stronger communities.

Let’s talk about how to design Learning Communities that don’t just bring people together, but truly move the work forward.