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. Over time, its Steering Group has included the Skoll Foundation, Ford Foundation, Porticus, Chandler Foundation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, and Jasmine Social Investments. The initiative’s aim is to encourage funders to place longer-term, more adaptive resources with grantee partners to scale their solutions and impact and enable sustained, positive systems change.
The Shifting Systems Initiative’s mission has remained consistent over its lifetime: To examine when, how, and why certain solutions achieve system-level shifts, and to share the lessons and recommendations from those successes.
For those unfamiliar with systems change concepts in philanthropy, RPA has created a topic brief that provides a basic overview and examples. And you can explore where you sit as a systems change funder by taking this diagnostic tool to better understand the degree to which your organization is systems-oriented in giving and program planning.
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
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.
Case Studies
Sourced from research for the initiative, these case studies can provide inspiration and valuable lessons for your own work.
View the case study library here.
