The Power of Collaboration
NationSwell
An award-winning executive membership community and advisory for senior social impact leaders.
Today’s challenges are far too vast for any single leader, sector, or institution to solve in isolation. The solutions we need won’t come from silver bullets or siloed strategies—they will come from collaboration. Increasingly, the most transformative breakthroughs are born at intersections: nonprofits joining forces to scale impact, businesses and philanthropies aligning resources to accelerate change, and youth leaders reshaping agendas alongside established executives. Collaboration is no longer optional; it’s the only way forward.
During Climate Week 2025, NationSwell members gathered for a salon to explore the power of working together. What follows are key insights and reflections on how collaboration is reshaping what we can achieve.
Key Takeaways
Scale Boldly Through Cross-Sector Partnerships Nonprofits must consider mergers, acquisitions, and coalitions designed for greater impact amid sector contraction and wealth inequality. Change is multi-racial, intergenerational, and cross-sectoral, and engagement should involve full leadership teams—not just select executives.
Share Power With Youth and Next-Gen Leaders Movements are most relevant and sustainable when youth have true decision-making roles. Carefully defining “youth” shapes both funding and strategy. Mental health is a core priority, and initiatives like a Youth Mental Health Corps could expand both impact and workforce diversity.
Build Trust Through Proximity As trust in institutions declines, leaders should create solutions with communities—not just for them. Practices like focus groups, co-design, and candid dialogue foster authenticity and trust, though they’re underused in many nonprofits.
Expand What Counts as Care Solving the youth mental health crisis means recognizing care can be provided well beyond traditional therapy. Healing shows up through nature, group activities like GirlTrek, workplace programs, or caring mentors outside the family.
Shift Mindsets and Culture Lasting change grows from culture as much as strategy. That involves radical support, shared leadership, and welcoming discomfort as a catalyst for transformation. Philanthropy’s convention of “lifetime leadership” makes power transitions complex—but with widespread discomfort, now is the time to embrace new possibilities.
Resources
NationSwell Salons are open to members and select leaders across our ecosystems. Learn more about NationSwell membership to join the next conversation.