Celebrating Philanthropy and Collaboration: The JSMF Peer Learning Network Launch

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Key Takeaways

• Envoy celebrates National Philanthropy Day by showcasing one of our initiatives, the JSMF Peer Learning Network, a community of practice convening St. Louis-based organizations and focused on organizational resilience and sustainability.

• Envoy has partnered with JSMF to guide grantees in building leadership, operations, and financial sustainability through a year-long learning series and direct coaching and technical assistance.

• This community of practice creates a space for organizations to share ideas, learn from peers, and develop solutions to shared challenges.

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In honor of National Philanthropy Day, Envoy is proud to highlight one of its current initiatives: the JSMF Peer Learning Network, a community of practice that convenes a diverse group of St. Louis-based organizations to learn and share best practices on organizational sustainability. National Philanthropy Day celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations for their philanthropic contributions and encourages reflection on the meaning of giving and its positive impact on society. The day serves as a reminder of the collective power of generosity and collaboration to strengthen communities and create lasting change.

In that same spirit, Envoy, together with the James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF), has launched the JSMF Peer Learning Network, which brings together a cohort of nonprofit leaders dedicated to improving prosperity for St. Louis residents. Founded in 1950, JSMF invests in organizations focused on improving economic opportunity across St. Louis communities. By hosting this initiative in collaboration with Envoy, JSMF aims to strengthen the capacity of its grantees while fostering shared learning and collaboration across its network.

Kicking-off this month and continuing through Fall 2026, Envoy has designed the JSMF Peer Learning Network to provide practical support for organizational growth, operational planning, and sustainability. Over the course of the year-long cohort, participating organizations will engage in a learning series focused on strategic planning, leadership development, operations, and financial sustainability, including exploring revenue diversification strategies and new business model opportunities. Members will meet monthly to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and co-develop solutions to shared challenges. In addition to group learning, each organization will receive individualized coaching and technical assistance from Envoy to help advance its specific goals and support implementation efforts.

If you are interested in learning more about the JSMF Peer Learning Network, or other Envoy-led community of practice models, please contact the Managing Director of Strategy & Philanthropy at salomon@envoy.us.