Since the initial publication of “Collective Impact” in Stanford Social Innovation Review (Winter 2011), collective impact has gained tremendous momentum as a cross-sector approach to solving social and environmental problems on a large scale. Here, a compilation of 9 articles from leaders in the space summarize the current state of the field, lessons learned, and implications related to public policy, evaluation, and more.
Top Takeaways
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To achieve large-scale change, collective impact initiatives must disrupt the status quo and carefully consider power dynamics.
- Effective use of the collective impact approach requires a fundamental mindset shift with respect to how practitioners design and implement their work, how funders incentivize and engage with grantees, and how policymakers bring solutions to a large scale.
- Collective impact is still in its early stages and some aspects are undergoing a process of refinement, bringing enhanced rigor to its structure, implementation, and evaluation, as well as clarity surrounding the essential roles of funders and government.