Donors are joining hands at a pace we have never seen before — a trend that seems poised to continue to unlock billions more dollars in the coming years. Prompted in large part by the desire by many donors and grant makers to find more effective ways to advance equity in the United States and around the world, these collaboratives could show the way to unlocking greater giving to support social justice. And they could lead to a shift in how philanthropic dollars are distributed — most of these collaboratives are led by people of color and others who have direct experience navigating an unequal world.

In early 2025, nonprofits across the Greater Washington, DC region faced a perfect storm: sudden funding losses, rising demand for services, and deep uncertainty. A July survey of more than 240 local nonprofits found 38% had lost federal funding. Yet, far more, 61%, reported being affected by policy changes overall, showing the impact goes well beyond federal grant dollars. In response, the Greater Washington Community Foundation launched the Community Resilience Initiative to help nonprofits continue their work without disruption. From the outset, the initiative was anchored in flexibility, collaboration, and data. Based on insights from the survey and ongoing conversations with nonprofits, three things became clear early on.