Shifting Systems Initiative

In the face of increasingly complex global challenges, many philanthropic funders are reflecting on how to create transformational, systems-level impact. To help answer this question, a number of philanthropic organizations and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors launched the Shifting Systems Initiative in 2016.

In the years since, challenges faced by leaders at local, regional, and global levels have become increasingly severe, volatile, and interconnected. More and more leaders are awakening to the need for deep structural change–the need for systems transformation. While there is ample interest in and stated commitment to systems-oriented grantmaking and leadership, it can be difficult to translate intention into action. The Shifting Systems Initiative works to bridge this gap by generating insights, tools, and connections that support funders in enacting their commitment to transformational systems change.

The Shifting Systems Initiative is focused primarily on four areas:

Supporting funders contributing to climate philanthropy in advancing transformational approaches
Illuminating how narrative change –in particular, artivism– can be a critical component of funders’ systems changing work
Providing investors with practical approaches to apply systems thinking across their impact investing strategy, implementation, and impact measurement
Sharing learning and resources for transformational systems change

The Initiative has benefited from the guidance and support of many foundations and thought leaders since its inception. Funders have included the Skoll Foundation, Ford Foundation, Packard Foundation, Porticus, and Chandler Foundation.

An Advisory Council of thought leaders from around the world helps guide the Initiative’s emerging strategy. Current members include Grace Anderson, Bonnie Chiu, Celia Cruz, Victoria Dunning, Mareike Hounjet, Andrea Lozano, Masego Madzwamuse, Edwin Ou, Alessandra Orofino, Sumitra Pasupathy, Kathy Reich, and Josiane Smith.

New: Systems Thinking for Impact Investing

The Systems Thinking for Impact Investing initiative provides investors with practical approaches to apply systems thinking across their impact investing strategy, implementation, and impact measurement. It focuses on:

Drawing on emerging research and real-world practices from leading impact investors
Bridging conceptual ideas to practical application
Providing accessible entry points regardless of your current systems thinking familiarity
Offering concrete tools and starting points for implementation

Who It’s For: This initiative is designed specifically for “impact-first” investors, particularly foundations, family offices, and impact-oriented funds. Whether you’re just beginning to explore systems approaches (we recommend reviewing the Impact Investing Handbook first) or looking to deepen your existing practice, our resources meet you where you are and help chart a path forward.

The Primer: Shifting Perspectives on Impact Investing
As part of the Systems Thinking for Impact Investing initiative, this foundational guide introduces:

The relevance of systems thinking for impact investors
An integrative framework featuring six key shifts
Practical strategies and starting points for each shift
Pathways showing where these approaches can lead
Examples from six organizations implementing systems thinking

Download the Primer.

Key Reports and Research

This collection of publications highlights the challenges, wins, and recommendations for change.

The Evaluation of the Shifting Systems Initiative features significant findings and key insights from the initiative’s 2023 evaluation, shedding light on the impact of the Shifting Systems Initiative and others in the field.

View all major publications here.

Event Recordings

The initiative has presented numerous webinars, workshops, and events over the past several years. With participation from systems thinkers, funders, non-profits and other partners engaged in changing systems, these recorded events highlight effective strategies for deepening engagement in systems change.

Access videos and learn more here.

Event Writeups & Articles

Find highlights of key takeaways and insights from systems change workshops and events around the world, including India, Colombia, Kenya, the United States and more.

Read more here.