Vancouver Foundation's PurposePhil Journey

5 cohorts + 8 x 2.5 hour gatherings each + 8 concept books + 1 reflection book + 8 podcast episodes +1 multi day retreat made up the structure of Vancouver Foundation's learning journey.

With PurposePhil, Vancouver Foundation (VF) ventured on a journey of exploring a new mode of learning. In partnership with InWithForward, a social design agency, they adopted collaborative inquiry as a methodology to help them understand philanthropy as a system with its underlying logics and history. While grappling with how VF is part of the system of philanthropy, staff and board members examined their own mental models, beliefs, and values. Members of each cohort took on roles as co-inquirers, co-facilitators, co-learners, and left their expert hats at the door. The intention was to gain deeper insights about participants' roles within the system of philanthropy, going through loops of inquiry and action.

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  Divergence Before Convergence

  Following a classic design process, the PurposePhil learning journey aimed first to create a learning environment in which participants could explore a full range of perspectives on philanthropic purpose rather than rushing to a superficial convergence.
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  New Perspectives on Philanthropy

  Many staff and board reported that PurposePhil broadened and deepened their understanding of philanthropy. Previously their tendency was to think about philanthropy from the perspective of their siloed role in the organization (eg. granting or donor services).
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  Greater Openness to Experimentation

  One clear outcome of the process was that staff were demonstrating higher levels of experimentation as a form of learning. When they were unsure about the wisdom of using lotteries in granting decisions, they tried it on a small scale.

Experiences & Observations

In a foundation you are close to, where do questions of purpose and meaning pop up and receive space, currently?

Reactions & Impressions

How does it feel to read candid reflections about a community foundation's learning process? What resonates and what doesn't?

Questions & Hunches to test

Which of the described activities and processes can you imagine offering value in your context? What might that look like?