Learning Together for Greater Impact

Last week, members of the Change Happens Foundation team joined peers from across the country at the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Leadership Retreat in La Jolla. The gathering brought together family foundation leaders, trustees, and next-generation philanthropists — all committed to learning from one another and strengthening how we lead, listen, and collaborate for greater impact.

While much of our daily focus is on advancing our own mission, this retreat offered a vital opportunity to step back and learn from the broader field of family philanthropy. Surrounded by peers who share both the challenges and rewards of this work, we found new perspectives on governance, next-generation engagement, impact investing, and equity-centered grantmaking.

Learning in Community

The most valuable insights often came not from presentations, but from open conversation — moments where funders spoke candidly about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can better align purpose with practice. Hearing from other foundations reminded us that effective philanthropy is a continual process of learning, adaptation, and humility.

We also explored how family foundations can sustain a sense of legacy while staying responsive to today’s realities — ensuring that our work remains both rooted and relevant.

Building Relationships for Collaborative Funding

Equally powerful were the relationships built in La Jolla. Across coffee breaks, workshops, and evening gatherings, funders found common ground around shared goals — from environmental sustainability to educational equity and community resilience.

These connections are more than professional; they are the foundation of collaborative funding, where funders align strategies, share due diligence, and co-invest to amplify results. The retreat reinforced our belief that true impact grows exponentially when we work together.

Gratitude and Momentum

We left La Jolla inspired and grateful — for the organizers at NCFP who curated such a thoughtful experience, and for the many colleagues who approached every conversation with openness and generosity. Each exchange expanded our understanding of what’s possible when philanthropy is practiced not as competition, but as community.

As we return to our own work, we carry a renewed sense of purpose: to listen more deeply, partner more strategically, and collaborate more boldly.

Looking Ahead

In the months ahead, we look forward to continuing these conversations beyond La Jolla — exploring opportunities for joint initiatives, co-funding models, and shared learning networks.

This retreat reaffirmed that leadership in philanthropy isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being the most connected, the most curious, and the most willing to grow.

Because in the end, change truly happens when we do it together.