Positive change doesn't always come easily, especially in times of division and mistrust. But the challenges we face are too big and complex for any one group to solve alone, and real solutions require input and action from a broad coalition of people and groups who sometimes disagree. The appetite for the work of working across differences is real — and the data shows it:
- 89% of Americans surveyed support working across differences
- 76% of Americans agree that they always try to be optimistic about the future, despite challenges in this world today
- 80% of Americans surveyed believe charitable foundations should model collaboration
When foundations bring together people who see things differently—community leaders, residents, businesses, and local governments— they unlock ideas and pathways that no one person or group could find alone. Working together builds trust, opens minds, and reveals paths forward.
How to get involved
There are many ways to find smart solutions together, and the Council is committed to creating opportunities that help your organization choose the right strategy to reach its goals. Our programming and resources focus on building the hearset, mindset and skillset to work across differences through facilitating peer learning, amplifying what works, teaching new strategies and methods, and cultivating leaders to scale and model this work. If you’re unsure how to get started, or have any questions, reach out to us at knowledge@cof.org.
Examples From the Field
Conferences
Building Together
Building Together is the Council’s biennial gathering for people working in philanthropy who are eager to connect and collaborate across differences. This isn’t your typical conference — it’s a dynamic experience to help leaders at all levels build the relationships and skills they need for the world we’re in. This year’s Building Together is taking place in Seattle, WA from May 4-7.
Cohorts and Peer Learning
Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience that supports funders looking to build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences. Hosted by the Council on Foundations in partnership with the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (GGSC), the cohort offers research-based strategies for bridging differences with colleagues, peers, and grantees. Fill out a cohort interest form to be the first to know when applications open!
The Leading Across Differences Peer Learning Circle is for alumni of the Council's Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort to connect, build relationships, and have candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working across differences.
Trainings and Webinars
Communicating Across Divides
Communicating Across Divides: A Facilitation Intensive is a unique training program, offered in partnership with Resetting the Table (RTT). Grounded in RTT’s rigorous, evidence-based framework for deepening connection, trust, and collaboration while addressing strong differences, this intensive provides participants with advanced facilitation skills through extensive hands-on practice, individualized coaching, and consultation. The first intensive started in February 2026 and more may be offered in the future. If you are interested in participating in a future intensive, please email knowledge@cof.org.
Building a Culture of Dialogue Across Differences
Building a Culture of Dialogue Across Differences is a half-day workshop, facilitated by Council staff members, that introduces participants to Resetting the Tables' (RTT) approach to developing tools to build a culture of productive dialogue on charged issues. If you would like to bring this workshop to your community or conference please email knowledge@cof.org.
Learning Across Differences Idea Forum
Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum is a discussion series that highlights leading thinkers and their ideas for how we can work across differences.
Resources and Research
Coming Together, Not Apart is a three-publication series exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. The series includes:
- Part 1: How Philanthropy Supports Connection in a Time of Dangerous Division dives deep into how philanthropy is talking about and investing in work to navigate divides and connect across differences, and it examines the opportunities, risks, and challenges in funding work to bring people together in a time of toxic division
- Part 2: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration dives deep into how philanthropy is talking about and investing in work to navigate divides and connect across differences, and it examines the opportunities, risks, and challenges in funding work to bring people together in a time of toxic division
- Part 3: Building the Hearts, Minds and Skills for Leading Across Differences discusses the leadership qualities required to advance this work and is designed to be an actionable resource
Toolkit — Communications Toolkit for Building Common Ground: Developed in partnership with Hattaway Communications, this free toolkit gives you the research-backed messaging, proof points, and practical guidance you need to make the case for this work at your organization. Drawing on a national survey, in-depth interviews, and a landscape analysis, it equips you with winning words, data that motivates skeptics, and clear advice on how to talk about building common ground in a way that resonates with your audience.
Study — National Survey on Collaboration Across Differences: The data is clear, Americans across the political spectrum want to work together. This national survey of 1,000 adults — representative by age, gender, race, and region — found that 89% support collaboration across differences, 80% believe foundations should model that work, and 93% believe people can and do come together to solve hard problems. Use these findings to build internal support, strengthen your case with stakeholders, and ground your work in what the public actually believes.
