Peer Learning
Envoy's peer learning networks are designed to help foundations and nonprofits address shared challenges. Through our peer learning networks, participants address topics such as revenue strategy, organizational growth, technology integration, and scenario planning. They typically include individual projects and coaching to bring practical experience into shared learning. Envoy's team brings a combination of expertise and facilitation to support grantees through relevant issues and opportunities affecting their long-term organizational health.
"Being in a cohort setting has been especially valuable because it creates space for shared learning, reflection, and honest conversation. It is helpful to hear how others are approaching similar challenges, what strategies they are trying, and how they are thinking about long-term impact." --Program Participant
Peer Learning Networks cover a range of topics and are customized to the unique needs of the portfolio. Past topics have included:
Strategy
-
Strategic planning
-
Organizational assessment
Finance and Operations
-
Financial forecasting and nonprofit budgeting
-
Sustainability and scenario planning
-
Revenue diversification and earned income models
Impact
-
Measurement and evaluation
-
Partnerships and collaboration
Innovation
-
Technology and AI Integration
The networks are undergirded by Envoy's Peer Learning Hub platform, which shares content and resources, and ensures participants can engage deeply during and between sessions.
Example of a peer learning network hub
If your foundation would like to explore building and launching a peer learning network with your grantees, please reach out to: Salomon Moreno Rosa.
Case Studies
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Engagement: Envoy has led two peer learning cohorts in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, centered on its data dashboard grantees. Participating grantees explored organizational structures, revenue strategies, and scenario planning during a turbulent period for their work. The organizations each pursued individual revenue planning projects during the cohort, with support from the Envoy team to drive strategy and implementation.
Results: Grantees reported strong learning and network-building outcomes, and shared that the expert speakers and discussions helped them create internal strategies. Additionally, several organizations have implemented new revenue-generating initiatives that have diversified their funding models.
James S. McDonnell Foundation
Engagement: Envoy is working on a pilot initiative with the James S. McDonnell Foundation to lead a peer learning network of 12 grantees from across disciplines. The cohort brings participants together for monthly sessions on topics ranging from funding strategy to AI integration, with topics informed by grantee input. All participants also receive coaching and support to address individual goals and challenges.
Results: Grantees shared survey responses, demonstrating strong value from the content and collaboration in the sessions. Nearly all reported new partnerships developed or underway and the topics covered helped organizational leaders address challenges they were facing in real time.