Is Your Philanthropy a Learning Organization?

Most foundations aspire to be. But many are still asking: What does good look like? And how do we know if learning is actually making a difference?

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The Framework at a Glance

The Learning Philanthropy Framework helps foundations see what good looks like, measure progress, and strengthen the learning practices that power impact.

Get a clear picture of your foundation's maturity across six areas of practice—from leadership and culture to working with partners—and, for the first time, track what becoming a learning philanthropy actually looks like.

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Funded & Built With:

Laudes foundation logo
Rockefeller foundation logo
Sequoia logo
James irvine foundation logo
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Co impact logo
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Built Specifically for Philanthropies

For decades, foundations have borrowed learning frameworks from other sectors. We wanted something built specifically for us.

The Learning Philanthropy Framework reflects the realities of philanthropy—how foundations lead, make decisions, work with partners, and contribute to systems change. Because philanthropy deserves its own framework for learning.

Testimonial sarah hanck

“Simple enough to use immediately. Sophisticated enough to reshape organizational behavior.”

Sarah Hanck
Rockefeller Foundation
Testimonial Louise

“Honestly, this is the gold mine I wish I had five years ago when we were just starting up as a foundation. Every foundation should be using this.”

Louise Glew
Sequoia Climate Foundation
Testimonial Julia

“A breakthrough tool for foundations serious about becoming true learning organizations.”

Julia Coffman
Editor in Chief at The Foundation Review
Testimonial Denise

“We finally moved beyond anecdotal conversations about learning culture and into measurable practice.”

Denise Roberta Brennan
Head of Impact and Organizational Learning, Laudes Foundation
Testimonial Susie

“The Learning Philanthropy Framework helped our team tackle conversations we’d been circling around for years. Instead of feeling heavy, the experience was surprisingly hopeful and energizing.”

Susie Paterson
Senior Vice President of Learning and Impact, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg

How Philanthropies are Benefiting

Every foundation uses the Framework differently. Explore how philanthropy leaders are using it to establish a baseline, build a shared vision for learning, uncover root causes, and breathe new life into conversations about learning that have been circling for years.

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How Sequoia Created a Foundation-Wide Baseline of Learning

See how Sequoia used the Framework to create a shared picture of strengths, gaps, and priorities.

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How Rockefeller Built a Shared Vision for Learning

See how Rockefeller used the Framework to align around what learning means—and where to focus next.

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How Co-Impact Wove Learning Into Strategy

See how Co-Impact identified opportunities to integrate learning into strategy, hiring, and knowledge management.

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How Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg Reenergized Old Conversations

See how the Self-Assessment Card Game helped tackle long-standing topics with joy, clarity, and creativity.

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How Laudes Uncovered What Helps—and Hinders—Learning

See how Laudes combined the Framework with an organizational effectiveness review to identify the root causes shaping learning across the foundation.

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What's Your Next Step?

Whether you want to dive in on your own, talk it through with a thought partner, or learn alongside peers, we're here to help.

Do It Yourself

A Conversation Tool for Learning Organizations

The Self-Assessment helps teams understand what good looks like, surface different perspectives, and identify practical ways to strengthen learning.

Whether you're creating a baseline, making the case for learning, or building alignment, the Self-Assessment provides a structured—and surprisingly fun—way to turn reflection into action.

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Want Community?

Join a Cohort and Build Your Learning Strategy Together

Learning is easier—and more fun—when you don't do it alone.

Join a small group of philanthropy leaders working together to strengthen learning, share experiences, and support one another. Through guided sessions, practical tools, and peer exchange, you'll build your learning strategy alongside others asking similar questions.

Need to Phone a Friend?

Book a Discovery Call

Not sure where to begin? Curious how other foundations are using the Framework? We'd love to help.

Whether you're exploring the Framework for the first time or thinking about bringing it to your team, we're happy to answer questions, share examples, and help you find the right starting point.

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Are You a Learning Philanthropy?

Not ready for the full self-assessment? No problem. Start with our Mini Self-Assessment Quiz. Get a quick snapshot of where your foundation stands and explore what becoming a learning organization can look like in practice. 

Take the Quiz