Harwood CIRCLE of Catalytic Funders
The Harwood CIRCLE of Catalytic Funders explores how funders can catalyze change by leveraging financial and non-financial resources to address fault lines and strengthen civic culture in their communities. We’re building a national network of funders who have been actively using the Harwood approach for years and those new to it to examine how philanthropy can both “lead” and “get out of the way” to accelerate and deepen impact in community life. The CIRCLE convenes funders for regular webinars and annual gatherings to learn from one another, innovate together, and discover new and deeper ways to take action in communities.
Rejuvenating Ourselves & Making a Real Difference:
A Safe Haven for Funders
Funders and philanthropic leaders are critical to community work. They can foster transformational change or get in the way of it. They can propel communities forward or take them in the wrong direction. We believe funders are critical to catalyzing and unleashing the potential of communities in moving our country forward. That’s why, with the support of The Patterson Foundation, we convened nearly 40 philanthropic leaders from around the country on January 16-17 in Sarasota, FL. The gathering focused on:
Examining what it really takes for communities to transform themselves and their civic culture
Exploring what it means to be a ‘catalytic’ funder and how funders can support communities in ways that go beyond financial capital
Creating space for funders to learn from one another, innovate together, and discover new and deeper ways to take action in communities
Working through challenges and tensions funders face to see new possibilities for moving forward
“This space was marked by honesty, vulnerability, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Together, we’ve recommitted to stepping up—not when it’s convenient, but when it’s needed. The Harwood Institute has shown us that hope is powerful, and the work ahead is ours to do.”
Upcoming events
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August Funders Webinar
Join us on August 6 at 1 pm ET for our next webinar just for funders, where we will focus on helping you surface and work through how to not be paralyzed by these challenging times. In this intimate space, we’ll delve into what engenders belief in ourselves and others and zero in on how you can stay focused and on mission amid the challenges you face in your communities and the country.
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SECOND ANNUAL IN-PERSON SARASOTA GATHERING
We’re thrilled to announce that with the generous support of The Patterson Foundation, we’ll be back in Sarasota, FL, on January 22-23, 2026 for our next in-person convening. We’ll share more information in the coming months. Save the date!
Frustrated by a lack of progress?
Four members of The Harwood CIRCLE of Catalytic Funders penned an open letter making this case to funders: It’s time for a different approach to creating change in our communities.
FOUNDING CIRCLE Members
