Building Common Ground

As a Research Manager at More in Common, Calista Small leads and manages mixed-methods studies on a range of topics related to social cohesion and division in the US. She also frequently presents new research at national and international conferences. Previously, she worked across two labs at…

On April 23rd, 2025 The Council on Foundations started a new series called, "Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum".  Watch this inaugural session with speakers from More in Common, and the Walmart Foundation for an in-depth discussion of new More in Common research entitled The…

Philanthropy has a unique opportunity to fund, support, and protect civil society institutions that contribute to building an inclusive democracy where everyone belongs. But, as funders, our ability to do so can be hampered by the pernicious divides that threaten to tear our society apart.…

The author of two books, including The Increasingly United States (2018), Daniel J. Hopkins is the Julie and Martin Franklin Presidential Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Hopkins studies American politics and the politics of other affluent…

Building Together 2026 is the place to be for people working in philanthropy who are eager to connect and collaborate across differences. This isn’t your typical conference — it’s a dynamic experience to help leaders at all levels build the relationships and skills you need for the world we’re in…

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Ricardo G. Huerta Niño is the Associate Director for the Great Communities Collaborative Initiative at the San Francisco Foundation. He works with funders, non-profits, and public sector partners to implement policy advocacy strategies focused on housing, transportation, land use, and climate…

Ryanne Jennings is the President/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation and joined the organization in 2019. She has her BS in Public Health from Temple University and certificates of Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Scranton, Nonprofit Management and Nonprofit Fundraising from…

Leah Anyanwu is a Program Specialist at the LEGO Foundation. In this capacity, she supports the Foundation’s early childhood portfolio with a focus on children affected by displacement. A passionate educator and advocate, she has over a decade of experience working in education with a focus on ECD…

Marie Cleaves Rothacker is passionate about connecting across differences. She does this through her work as a trained dancer and movement teacher along with her full-time position in Donor Services at the Lancaster County Community Foundation. Having navigated firsthand the many divides we…

Richard volunteers as Vice Chair of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Board of Directors in Pierce County, Washington. His personal mission statement is to “build whole, affirming and just community through deep listening, reflecting and storytelling.” Richard is also on the Board of the…