Anne Desmarais, Director, Partnership and Community Collaboration Academy

Have you ever met someone, and hit it off right away?

Or met a partner for the first time and thought, “I can’t wait to work together!”

That was my experience with the Sunflower Foundation this summer, as a facilitator and presenter at their 2024 Capacity Building Learning Collaboratives.

What made this experience effective?

The Foundation’s staff created a strong framework for success by modeling the 4-P’s of collaboration: Purpose, People, Process, and Product.

The Foundation was crystal clear about the event’s Purpose. With a mission to serve as a catalyst for improving the health of all Kansans, the Foundation’s leaders and staff are committed to building a thriving nonprofit community across the state.

That was my first clue: The Sunflower Foundation understands that funders are key convenors and partners, whose expertise and relationships—as well as investments—grow healthy communities and sustain partner networks.

The next clue was People. The Foundation had recently awarded $1.5M in Capacity Building grants to 65 organizations. They wanted to create an inspiring, informative learning experience that would benefit both grantees and the broader health nonprofit community. So they combined efforts with the Patterson Family Foundation, and were able to invite all 300+ grant applicants.

They invited experts and nonprofit peer leaders to share practical tips and real-life experience. They welcomed 170 leaders of health nonprofits from across Kansas to these 2-day events. And the Foundation posted videos, presentations, and photos of workshop sessions for those unable to attend.

A third clue was how the Foundation consulted participants in their event design – the Process. Nonprofit grant applicants identified key challenges and training needs in their grant applications and event registrations, which guided the agenda for the Learning Collaboratives. Multiple sessions and activities promoted well-being and community-building, while training and expert panels highlighted valuable resources and best practices.

All of this led to an outstanding Product: a successful peer learning and relationship-building event, an energized and refreshed community of nonprofit leaders, and an opportunity for the Foundation to continue strengthening a sustainable nonprofit community in Kansas.

Hats off to the Sunflower Foundation staff, Kansas nonprofit health leaders, guest speakers, and all who made this not just an enriching experience, but also a model of partnership and community collaboration!

Thanks to Susan Goodwin of DOI CADR and the USDA FS Collaboration Cadre team for introducing us to the 4Ps Framework and Christopher Moore’s Triangle of Satisfaction.