SWAHA & OC
Written by Julie Goldstein and Align Impact
In October 2023, SWAHA Foundation piloted a new philanthropic initiative: sponsoring 11 nonprofit leaders from six partner organizations to attend Opportunity Collaboration (OC) in the Dominican Republic. This annual conference convenes diverse and global nonprofit leaders, funders, and ecosystem partners, and serves as a platform for connection, learning, and the cultivation of a robust nonprofit community.
The decision to sponsor SWAHA grantee partners originated in 2022 when I, along with my philanthropic advisors at Align Impact, sought innovative ways to extend the Foundation’s support beyond traditional funding for grantees. The goal was to elevate leaders through leadership development training and foster peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, all while maintaining a commitment to unrestricted funding, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges faced by nonprofits.
Reflecting on my philanthropic journey, I find myself, unexpectedly, in a mentor or elder role, emphasizing intentional investment in organizational leadership. My parents, imperfect as they were, did a wonderful job of educating their 3 children about philanthropy in a myriad of ways that were, in many aspects, ahead of their time several decades ago. With the unexpected directorships of their foundations earlier than I or my siblings would have liked, I’ve witnessed the value of nurturing leadership for impactful organizations in education, the environment, and human rights.
SWAHA Foundation's decision to sponsor fellows for OC was rooted in a commitment to fostering holistic growth and capacity-building for nonprofit leaders. This commitment is particularly significant considering that SWAHA Foundation itself emerged as a direct result of a foundation created to provide educational scholarships to individuals otherwise unable to afford college. As someone who values investing in evocative experiences over material possessions, this initiative aimed to offer transformative opportunities that align with the Foundation's roots.
Testimonials from sponsored fellows highlight enriching experiences and impactful connections forged at OC. As one fellow expressed, “The experience allowed me to create new and meaningful relationships, explore innovative solutions, and acknowledge that the challenges I face are shared by other leaders."
The program sought to create an environment where leaders could break down silos and engage in meaningful conversations, transcending the typical professional setting. Importantly, many of these discussions deliberately happened away from funders, to provide nonprofit leaders with the space to be authentic and even vulnerable. Peer-to-peer learning emerged as a powerful tool, providing a supportive network for sharing insights from both successes and failures. Fellows emphasized that the conference provided “space to ask questions that [they] had been struggling with,” access to “support and resources to continue on,” as well as “new and meaningful relationships.”
The takeaways from this initiative and what we want to share with the broader ecosystem are as follows:
Leadership development requires supplemental grants and intentional granting.
Peer-to-peer learning is a powerful catalyst for growth. Conversations with those facing similar challenges in the nonprofit world can unlock solutions and foster collective growth.
Recognizing and navigating the dynamics between grantees and grantors is essential. Program design should be mindful of mitigating power dynamics to ensure open and candid collaboration.
As SWAHA Foundation continues to explore innovative ways to support its grantees, the commitment to nurturing leadership and fostering meaningful connections remains paramount. In the face of escalating challenges within the nonprofit sector, this initiative sought to transcend traditional financial contributions, prioritizing partner growth and leadership capacity to contribute to a more empowered and effective nonprofit community. SWAHA Foundation remains steadfast in challenging conventional norms, investing in leadership, and cultivating meaningful connections.
