Across philanthropy, more leaders are recognizing that listening to community isn’t just a talking point, it’s a pathway to shifting power and achieving better results. But turning that recognition into sustained practice can be a challenge, even for the most dedicated. Peer examples and support can help.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the inaugural cohort of Listen to Community Ambassadors — 11 philanthropy leaders from across the country committed to listening practices that shift power to impacted communities, and eager to model what that looks like.

By speaking at conferences, contributing blogs and opinion pieces, participating in webinars and podcasts, and convening peers in candid conversations, Listen to Community Ambassadors help leaders unlock what it really takes to embed community voice into governance, strategy, and decision making at all levels.

As trusted peer leaders with real-world funder listening experience, they can help normalize and validate the work, providing both inspiration and practical proof for funders ready to move from intention to action. Collectively, they help grow the reach of Listen to Community so that we all can make listening in ways that shift power to impacted communities standard practice in philanthropy.

You’ll begin seeing their contributions across our shared platforms, including a newly published Q&A with Ambassador Dimple Abichandani on reimagining foundation governance to be more proximate and responsive to community.

We invite you to learn more about the Ambassadors and to connect with them through upcoming events and publications. If you’re interested in engaging an Ambassador to speak with your network or peer group, we’d love to hear from you.