Leveraging Impact Networks for Philanthropy

On January 28, 2025, NPL hosted a virtual Lunch & Learn on Leveraging Impact Networks for Philanthropy. The session featured insightful discussions with Sam Alarie-Leca (Co-Founder, Purposeful Advisors), Amber Cruz Mohring (Co-Founder, Purposeful Advisors, ACM Consulting), and Devon Davey (Partner, Weaving Features), who shared their expertise on how impact networks can drive meaningful change in the social sector.

An impact network is more than just a group of organizations working together. It is a dynamic system of relationships built on trust, shared purpose, and coordinated action. In today’s evolving social sector, traditional, siloed approaches to problem-solving are not enough. Addressing complex societal challenges requires deep collaboration across organizations, communities, and funders, and impact networks provide the structure to make that happen.

The Power of Networks in Philanthropy

The Lunch & Learn session explored key questions: What makes impact networks different from traditional collaborations? How can philanthropy leverage these networks to create lasting change? What role do intermediaries play in strengthening these connections?

Unlike conventional partnerships, which often focus on short-term projects or funding cycles, impact networks emphasize long-term relationships and systemic transformation. They operate through an intentional approach to connection, coordination, and collaboration, ensuring that efforts are not duplicated but instead aligned toward a common goal.

Our facilitators introduced the 5 Cs of network cultivation, a framework that outlines important elements for building strong networks:

Clarify purpose and principles – Establish a shared vision and guiding values.

Convene the right people – Bring together diverse stakeholders from across the ecosystem.

Cultivate trust – Encourage open communication, transparency, and mutual respect.

Coordinate actions – Align efforts to maximize impact and avoid redundancy.

Collaborate for impact – Move from isolated efforts to collective action for deeper change.

Building and Sustaining Healthy Networks

For an impact network to be truly effective, it must be intentionally designed and nurtured over time. A healthy network builds strong relationships between participants, supports shared learning, and creates the conditions for new ideas and innovations to rise organically from within the network. When structured effectively, healthy networks can lead to positive intermediate outcomes for participants, ultimately driving long-term systemic change over time.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of network infrastructure. Connectivity, participant engagement, and a shared framework for action are all important components. Intermediary organizations, such as funders and conveners, play a key role in strengthening networks by providing resources, facilitating connections, and ensuring that collaboration remains sustainable over time.

Moving Toward a Network Mindset

As the social sector deals with increasingly complex challenges, adopting a network mindset is necessary. By shifting from isolated interventions to interconnected efforts, philanthropy and nonprofit organizations can unlock greater potential for lasting impact. Networks allow organizations to scale solutions more effectively, learn from one another, and adapt to evolving needs in ways that traditional approaches often cannot.

This Zoom session reinforced the growing recognition that impact networks are an actionable strategy for transforming the way social change happens. By encouraging deeper connections, coordinating efforts, and committing to long-term collaboration, we can create a more resilient, innovative, and impactful social sector.

What role do networks play in your work? Have you seen successful examples of impact networks driving change? Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can apply these principles in our own communities.

We hope to see you in our next Lunch and Learn Event!