Building Stronger Communities through Collaboration: Key Themes and Areas of Impact

In a world that increasingly thrives on digital connections and virtual gatherings, there’s something uniquely powerful about coming together in person. The value of face-to-face interactions, especially in the state of California at the intersection of equitable communities and climate resilience, is immeasurable. Through this, we foster deeper relationships, spark creative collaborations, and generate momentum for meaningful change. This post highlights four key themes from Smart Growth California’s work that took place in 2024, along with seven specific areas where progress took place.

1) The Value of Coming Together: In-Person Connections Matter

As the world has shifted to more virtual and hybrid models, the power of in-person connections cannot be overstated. Whether it’s funders, community leaders, or advocates, coming together in shared spaces allows for richer conversations, stronger bonds, and more effective problem-solving. This theme is a cornerstone of the work we do, as we understand that real, lasting change is built through relationships and shared learning. By being present together, we not only connect on a professional level but on a human level, which drives more authentic collaboration and impact. Four of our working groups met in person over the last year, including our Statewide Steering Committee in Sacramento, our San Joaquin Valley Funders’ Collaborative in Fresno and Allensworth, our Climate Funders’ Collaborative in San Diego and our Los Angeles Funders’ Collaborative in LA. 

2) Cross-Pollination Across Geographies and Issue Areas

Smart Growth California is a big tent, bringing together funders that support a wide range of issue areas, including land use, transportation, climate resilience, housing, nature-based solutions, conservation, parks, wildfire, inclusive economies, regenerative agriculture, community benefits and so much more! At each meeting, we make connections across issues and geographies which not only enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness of issues in California, but also accelerates the pace at which we can solve pressing challenges.

3) Connecting Funders: Weaving a Stronger Network

By connecting funders to each other, we help them find allies, thought partners, and leaders who can strengthen their impact. This network-building is critical in fostering strategic partnerships that transcend individual organizations or efforts. Together, funders can identify shared goals, build trust, and explore new opportunities to support change. Connecting funders also lays the foundation for more coordinated and effective funding strategies that can drive lasting transformation.

4) Equitable Implementation of Public Funding: Building Capacity and Offering Technical Assistance

As public funding become an increasingly central part of the funding landscape, ensuring its equitable distribution and effective use is essential. This involves not just providing financial resources but also offering technical assistance and capacity-building support to a range of groups, particularly those that have been historically under-resourced. It’s about supporting communities and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to navigate complex systems and maximize the impact of the funding they receive. Equitable implementation ensures that resources are distributed fairly and that all groups—regardless of size or geographic location—have the opportunity to thrive.

Seven Key Areas of Focus and Progress

As we look back, here are seven highlights from 2024:

1) Funders Stretching to Leverage Public Funding and Processes 

Funders are increasingly being asked to steward public funding and help leverage government resources for maximum impact. This involves understanding public policy processes, navigating the complexities of government systems, and ensuring that public dollars are directed in ways that support sustainable, long-term solutions. By stretching to leverage these funds, funders can amplify their own investments and ensure that community-driven initiatives receive the financial backing they need to thrive. Smart Growth California lifted up numerous funders in our network that have stepped up to land public funding in the communites they serve, including: 

• The San Diego Foundation stewarding public funding from the Strategic Growth Council and EPA in support of empowering San Diego’s Central Historic Barrios
• Resources Legacy Fund, Liberty Hill Foundation and the International Community Foundation administering the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Program Region 9 Grantmaking Program
• Sierra Health Foundation coordinating the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative, supporting the California Jobs First Process

2) Community Leadership and Capacity Building 

Empowering local leaders is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable change. Through multiple capacity-building and technical assistance initiatives, funders are equipping community groups with the tools they need to lead from within. Whether it’s providing training on advocacy, developing organizational skills, or supporting community-driven solutions, these efforts ensure that those closest to the issues have the support they need to create lasting impact. Smart Growth California working groups have provides a space to strategize and refine the following initiatives: 

• Link LA Initiative, supported by First 5 LA, Resources Legacy Fund, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the California Wellness Foundation, supporting groups like Trust South LA, Communities for a Better Environment, and many others
• Greenlining the Block, an initiative of the Greenlining Institute, supporting groups like the Environmental Health Coalition, Active SGV and many others
• ReDesign LA, an initiative supported by the Water Foundation, supporting groups like East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, Pacoima Beautiful and others

3) Funder Summit: Dialogues with Advocates, Policymakers, and Funders 

Our Funder Summit, held in March of 2024, was a unique gathering where funders, policymakers, and advocates came together for deep conversations and learning. The summit served as a platform to spark connection and collaboration, explore intersectional issues, strengthen relationships and deepen learning from place and peers. We explored numerous opportunities for funders to support climate equity, transportation equity, long-term capacity building, postrwer building and partnership across the state. Highights included hearing from:

• TFN’s President and CEO, Dion Cartwright
• Multiple advocates engaged in the ClimatePlan network
• Multiple leaders from various state agencies 

4) Learning from People and Places: Site Visits

One of the best ways to understand the impact of funding is to see it firsthand. Through various site visits, funders are able to witness the direct impact of their investments, learn from the communities they are supporting, and gain insights into the challenges and successes of different regions. These visits provide invaluable learning opportunities that help refine funding strategies and ensure that resources are being deployed where they are needed most. Highlights included visiting: 

• La Milpa Farm in Fresno and Allensworth to the South
• Mission Bay Nature Reserve and the Sherman Heights Community Center in San Diego
• Mercado La Paloma in Los Angeles

5) Working Groups: The Largest Ever 

Our network of working groups has grown to include 50 active funders, the largest number we’ve ever had! These groups, co-chaired by leaders in the field, are focused on tackling specific challenges, sharing knowledge, and shaping the direction of funding strategies. The collective expertise within these groups ensures that our efforts are strategic, informed, and impactful. Special thanks to our working group co-chairs:

• Statewide Steering Committee: Emma-Louise Anderson, Seed Fund and Craig Martinez, The California Endowment
• San Joaquin Valley Funders’ Collaborative: Jazmin Segura, Common Counsel Foundation & Reyna Villalobos, San Juaquin Valley Health Fund
• Climate Funders’ Collaborative (Baja/Imperial/San Diego Region): Juliet Flores, The California Endowment and Christiana DeBenedict, The San Diego Foundation 
• Los Angeles Funders’ Collaborative: Lisa Craypo, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and Gisele Fong, The California Endowment
• Rural Funders Collaborative: Kaying Hang, Sierra Health Foundation and Mark Valentine, Reframe It Consulting

6) Connections and Relationships Made Within Our Network 

The relationships that are formed through our network are the backbone of our work. By connecting funders, community leaders, and advocates, we are creating a vibrant ecosystem of support. These relationships foster collaboration, increase the flow of information, and enable individuals and organizations to work together toward common goals. 

• Opportunities for funders to share their work with each other at every working group meeting
• Opportunities for funders to share meals together when meeting in person
• Opportunities for funders to learn in place with each other on site visits

7) Partnerships with Related Networks No one organization or network can solve complex social challenges alone. That’s why we prioritize partnerships with other related funder networks in California. By aligning with like-minded organizations, we can pool resources, share best practices, and amplify our collective impact. These partnerships enable us to work across sectors, geographies, and issue areas, creating more comprehensive solutions to pressing social issues.

• Partnering with Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties in support of the Climate Funders’ Collaborative (Baja, Imperial and San Diego Region)
• Co-hosting four funder convenings with the SoCal Grantmakers Environmental Funders Group
• Coordinating closely with NorCal Grantmakers and their Climate Disaster Funders Group

Leveraging Our National Network

Smart Growth California is an initiative of The Funders Network and we benefit greatly from being a part of this. TFN brings together a diverse and dynamic group of place-based funders together in multiple working groups and gatherings. By leveraging this extensive network, we are able to connect people and ideas from across the country, creating a powerful force for change. This national perspective helps us stay informed about emerging trends, identify new opportunities for collaboration, and create a more cohesive approach to addressing systemic challenges. Over the course of the year, numerous funders from California participated in the following: 

• TFN’s virtual learning webinars and peer-to-peer sharing
• An in-person gathering in Austin bringing together TFN’s GREEN, Urban Water and Mobility and Access working Groups
• Planning for TFN’s 25th Anniversary Conference, scheduled for March 17-19, 2025, in Baltimore, MD. 

Moving Forward Together

The work of transforming communities and tackling social challenges is complex, but with collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to equity, we can build a stronger future. The themes and areas outlined in this blog post represent the heart of our collective work, where funders, community leaders, and advocates come together to share knowledge, leverage resources, and create lasting change. By continuing to prioritize in-person connections, cross-pollination of ideas, and equitable implementation, we can ensure that our efforts lead to a more just and sustainable world. Together, we are stronger—and the future is brighter.