Systems Change

Addressing the root causes of social challenges

Philanthropy can be more than providing funding for short-term relief for communities and individuals facing hardship. Many donors are increasingly asking, “Why are these problems happening in the first place, and what can I do to prevent them?” That shift from addressing the symptoms of a problem to addressing its root causes requires a systems change mindset, an approach we have decades of experience implementing.

Focusing on Causes, Not Just Symptoms

For foundations, families, and organizations looking to fund lasting solutions—targeting root causes— to some of society’s thorniest challenges, a systems change approach can yield transformative impact.

Viewing issues through a systems change lens begins with understanding the many factors and actors that influence whether and how lasting progress can be achieved. Ultimately, this kind of analysis enables more purposeful giving and action, gradually nudging a system toward a new and better equilibrium. However, this evolutionary process requires intentionality, patience, and a commitment to the messy reality that systems change is rarely a linear journey. Like pulling up a weed by the roots rather than simply plucking the stem, both the effort and the reward are greater.

We can help you navigate that journey through analytical, programmatic, and grantmaking support by:

Conducting landscape analyses to understand a sector, an existing program, and/or a discrete issue, identifying where and how your philanthropy can fill gaps, add value, unlock partnerships, and drive lasting changes for an entire system
Assessing the potential for donors to serve as “systems change orchestrators” while also assessing where partners and allies may be better positioned for that role
Designing systems change-sensitive programs and initiatives for donors and their partners to tackle root cause issues with sustainable and, as relevant, scalable initiatives

Developing customized monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to track progress and impact as systems evolve and change
Constructing an efficient grantmaking and programmatic infrastructure to accelerate funding for systems change efforts, including pooled funds and donor collaboratives
Building the skills and knowledge of both donors and “do-ers” through training and education around state-of-the-art approaches to systems change.

Systems Change

Focusing on Causes, Not Just Symptoms

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