The research opportunity

Building on learning-organization scholarship and using the Learning Philanthropy Framework and Maturity Tool as an analytical lens, we will explore:

Under what conditions—and through what mechanisms—does investing in organizational learning contribute to better decisions, stronger relationships, more adaptive strategy, and ultimately greater impact?

We envision longitudinal case studies, interviews, and document review with a cohort of 5–10 philanthropic organizations. Together, we will:

• Trace how each organization’s learning approach develops across leadership, culture, structures and resources, internal learning, learning with partners, and ecosystem learning.

• Identify catalysts, barriers, developmental patterns, and promising practices.

• Examine how investments in learning relate to decision-making, relationships, and strategic adaptation.

The research will pay particular attention to power, accountability, and the roles of grantees and communities in stewarding knowledge and shaping decisions.

Findings will inform the continued development of the framework and offer practical guidance for philanthropies seeking to strengthen their learning.

Who we hope to collaborate with

We welcome scholars with interests in organizational learning, philanthropy, organizational change, evaluation, or related fields. Experience with qualitative or longitudinal research would be particularly valuable.

PhD candidates are welcome, especially where the collaboration could align with an existing dissertation, funded research project, or institutional research appointment.

How the collaboration will work

This opportunity does not currently include compensation from Convive. We are seeking a collaboration that fits within the scholar’s existing funded academic work, rather than asking someone to undertake a substantial unpaid assignment.

Before beginning, we will jointly agree on the research scope, time commitment, responsibilities, academic independence, authorship, publication arrangements, and coverage of research expenses. The study’s scale will reflect the capacity and resources available.

Convive will contribute practitioner expertise, the framework, and connections to participating philanthropies. We welcome a collaborator who will critically examine and challenge our assumptions.

Anticipated timeline

• October–November 2026: Conversations with interested scholars and selection of a collaborator.

• January–May 2027: Joint development of the research design, scope, timeline, and deliverables.

• June–December 2027: Research and analysis, with periodic opportunities to discuss emerging findings with participating philanthropies.

There may also be an opportunity to participate in a three-day retreat in Italy in June 2027, subject to funding. Participation would be optional and dependent on travel expenses being covered.

Express your interest

Please send your CV and a brief expression of interest to Monalisa Salib (monalisa@convivecollective.com)  including how this collaboration could connect with your current research and funding arrangements.

Learn more about The Learning Philanthropy Project.

Warmly,
Kat & The Convive Collective team