Collective Impact Forum

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Collective Impact Forum

The Collective Impact Forum - A resource for practitioners and funders who are using the collective impact approach to achieve large-scale systems change.

07/30/2026

We are grateful for the response to the new Backbone Leaders Learning Lab that will run this September-October. Our first cohort has filled, and we are excited to share that we have opened a second cohort to meet the interest we are seeing from backbone leaders across the field. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backbone-leaders-learning-lab-sept-oct-2026-registration-1992884326668?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

This response reflects what many of us experience in our work. Backbone leadership is essential to collaborative systems change, and leaders in these roles are often looking for space to step back, reflect, and learn alongside peers who understand the realities of the work.

The second cohort offers the same small group experience as the first, with four interactive virtual sessions focused on practical tools, peer learning, and group coaching. To support meaningful connection, the cohort is limited to 25 participants.

Registration also includes free access to one of our most popular workshops, "Facilitating Collaborative Meetings" ($249) value), which will be held on December 8-9, 2026.

If you were interested but missed the first cohort, we welcome you to consider the second. Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backbone-leaders-learning-lab-sept-oct-2026-registration-1992884326668?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

07/08/2026

We are excited to share that registration is now open for our next Backbone Leaders Learning Lab, a small group learning cohort designed for backbone leaders and others leading place-based collaboratives. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backbone-leaders-learning-lab-sept-oct-2026-registration-1992884326668?aff=oddtdtcreator This session will be running from September 16 - October 28, 2026.

The Backbone Leaders Learning Lab is an intentionally designed professional development experience for collaborative leaders. To support a deeper level of learning, the Learning Lab cohort has a set capacity of 25 attendees.

Our earlier Learning Lab held this spring reached full capacity in just a couple weeks, so we strongly recommend registering soon if you would like to join.

To learn more about what the next Backbone Leaders Learning Lab will offer, please visit our registration site here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/backbone-leaders-learning-lab-sept-oct-2026-registration-1992884326668?aff=oddtdtcreator

We are also offering an informational webinar on July 14 to answer any questions you may have. Please register here to join the webinar or receive the recording after. https://fsg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zY_1j5JvQHak1lirz3xz4Q #/registration

We are so excited about this next Learning Lab and getting the opportunity to work with a new cohort of collaborative leaders. If you are interested in being a part of this experience, we hope you will join us!

07/01/2026

"What should you consider before starting a new collective impact initiative?"

It's an exciting idea, but launching a collaborative isn't always the right first step. Before bringing people together, it's important to understand whether collective impact is the right approach for your community's challenge.

In our latest "Dear CIF" column, Junious Williams shares practical guidance on assessing readiness, engaging stakeholders, and building a strong foundation before deciding whether to move forward.

Read the full column: https://collectiveimpactforum.org/blog/dear-cif-how-to-start-a-new-collective-impact-initiative-in-your-community/

06/25/2026

"How do we move from broad ideas to a clear, shared goal?" This is a challenge many collaborative efforts face. Partners may agree they want to work together on an issue they mutually care about, but struggle to narrow their focus enough to build momentum and take meaningful action.

In our latest "Dear CIF" column, Paul Schmitz shares practical guidance for creating a strong common agenda, defining measurable community results, and aligning strategies that can help move a collaborative forward.

Read the full column: https://collectiveimpactforum.org/blog/dear-cif-how-do-we-turn-big-ideas-into-a-clear-goal-and-strategy/

06/04/2026

"What happens when a key leader at a partner organization leaves?"

This is a question many collaborative leaders face. Leadership transitions can disrupt relationships, slow progress, and make it harder to sustain momentum.

In our first "Dear CIF" column where we answer community questions, Jennifer Splansky Juster shares practical advice for reducing the impact of leadership turnover and building a collaborative that is resilient through change.

Read the full column: https://collectiveimpactforum.org/blog/dear-cif-how-to-navigate-leadership-transitions-within-a-collaborative/

04/24/2026

If you are newer to collective impact work or looking to strengthen your foundation, we invite you to join our upcoming two-part online workshop series, Getting Started with Collective Impact. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-started-with-collective-impact-workshop-series-registration-1987333241222?aff=oddtdtcreator

This series offers a practical introduction to the core conditions and practices that support collaborative work, along with a deeper look at the role of the backbone team and collaborative leadership.

Join All or Single Sessions: You can join both sessions with a Full Series Pass or register for the one session that best fits your needs.

🔹 Getting Started with Collective Impact Full Series Pass
June 18 & July 16, 1pm - 4pm ET ($350 for both sessions)

🔹 Session 1: Introduction to Collective Impact
June 18, 1:00 - 4:00 PM ET ($199 for single session)

🔹 Session 2: Introduction to the Backbone and Collaborative Leadership
July 16, 1:00 - 4:00 PM ET ($199 for single session)

Across these two workshops, you will explore how to build shared understanding, align partners around results, and navigate common challenges in collaborative efforts. Each session includes presentation materials and three months of access to the recording.

If you are looking for foundational resources to support collective impact work, we hope you will join us! Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-started-with-collective-impact-workshop-series-registration-1987333241222?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/22/2026

We are so proud to partner with the Levitt Family Foundation on our 2026 Collective Impact Action Summit. The Levitt Family Foundation shares our belief in the power of collective action to inspire positive change. A national creative placemaking funder at the intersection of music, public space and community building, Levitt is supporting nonprofits in over 100 communities across all 50 states (plus Puerto Rico!) to present 1,000+ free outdoor concerts, fostering joy, belonging, and economic vitality. Learn more: levitt.org

THANK YOU to the Levitt Family Foundation for its support of this year's Action Summit, and helping us share that the arts are a critical factor in creating lasting community change.

04/07/2026

This is the final week to join your peers at this year's Action Summit. https://collectiveimpactforum.swoogo.com/ciactionsummit26/9927407

Hundreds of backbone leaders, practitioners, and partners are already registered and will be gathering next week on April 14-16 for the virtual 2026 Collective Impact Action Summit, our biggest learning event of the year.

These changemakers are coming together to share what’s working, learn from peers, and strengthen their collaborative efforts back in their communities.

If you’ve been meaning to join, this is the final week before we begin. We’d love for you to be part of the learning!

With more than 30 workshops and sessions, you’ll leave with practical ideas and resources you can bring back to your collaborative. Register now at: https://collectiveimpactforum.swoogo.com/ciactionsummit26/9927407

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