The Common Ground Philanthropy Project

The mission of Search for Common Ground is to transform the way the world deals with conflict and power. Traditionally our programs in the United States have focused on politics, but in the past few years we have developed new programs in the field of philanthropy.

What is Common Ground Philanthropy? Many of the same social, cultural, and religious movements that influence politics are at play in grant-making and charity. By nature, the decisions that people make are informed by their underlying values. Non-adversarial approaches to problem solving and philanthropy are characterized by collaboration, consultation with diverse parties, and participatory decision-making processes.

In this vein, SFCG has developed two projects to facilitate greater Common Ground Philanthropy.

The Young Donor Network: In an effort to increase and improve philanthropy we are building bridges to convene the communities of wealth and social entrepreneurship, and using these bridges as educational venues to support young wealth-holders. Along the way, to help make these ideas and opportunities accessible to larger communities we are partnering with public entities, including the White House and the United Nations. For more, see: www.youngdonor.org or our global summit at www.the-nexus.net.

In July, 2010, we played a leading role in bringing young philanthropists to the White House for the Conference on Next Generation Leadership. The following day many of the delegates gathered in our office and set in motion a series of new collaborative projects to build a better pipeline for young donor education and help younger generations find common ground on pressing issues. The Young Donor Network is the result.

The Common Ground Donor Network: Chronic polarization undermines the political integrity of the United States. In its wake, good faith attempts at "reaching across the aisle" have limited success. Philanthropists are high-level influencers, and by taking the lead to build bridges across our cultural and political divides they will inspire others to follow. However, while the conservative and progressive communities have their donor affinity groups, there is not a place for the bridge-builders. Political donors from opposing camps do not have a place to meet and break bread together. To fill this void we are forming a new group, the Common Ground Donor Network, for progressive and conservative donors to meet their "opponents," often for the first time, and talk about policy issues and solutions, together. For more information see our brochure.