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Investing in a brighter future

Investing in a brighter future

Helping societies work better by connecting people, building leadership capability and enabling collaboration across boundaries

We lead with purpose

For more than 35 years, Common Purpose has brought together people from different backgrounds, sectors and perspectives to address the challenges that matter most to society.

We believe many of society’s biggest challenges cannot be solved by one organisation, one sector or one perspective alone. Progress happens when people understand different realities, build trust and work together.

Our social impact comes from creating the connections, confidence and capabilities that enable people and organisations to make a difference in the places and communities they serve.

Our Impact at a Glance

35+ years

of developing leaders who work across boundaries

100+ countries

where Common Purpose programmes have taken place

137,000+ alumni

building connections and creating change around the world

20,000+ organisations

engaged across business, government, education and civil society

Thousands of leaders

equipped to tackle complex social challenges

Where We Create Social Impact

Our work contributes to change across four areas:

1.

Building inclusive communities

Helping people understand different perspectives and create stronger connections across society

Many communities face growing division, inequality and disengagement. We create spaces where people who would not normally meet can learn from each other, challenge assumptions and find common ground.

Through our programmes, participants build the cultural intelligence and relationships needed to work across differences.

Diaspora Leadership Programmes

Supporting leaders from diaspora communities to strengthen connections, develop influence and contribute to the places they call home.

Chicago200

Bringing together emerging leaders from across Chicago to build civic confidence, strengthen networks and explore how they can contribute to the future of their city.

2.

Strengthening social purpose organisations

Supporting leaders tackling some of society’s most difficult challenges

Organisations working for social good often operate in complex environments where collaboration is essential.

We support leaders from charities, foundations and social purpose organisations to build the skills, confidence and networks needed to increase their impact.

American Express Leadership Academy

A global initiative supporting nonprofit leaders to develop their leadership capability and connect with peers across sectors.

MAVA Leaders for Nature Academy

Connecting environmental leaders to share knowledge, collaborate and develop new approaches to protecting the planet.

3.

Strengthening places through connection and collaboration

Helping people understand their communities and work across boundaries to solve shared challenges

The challenges facing places - whether economic inequality, skills gaps, climate change or community cohesion - cannot be solved by one organisation alone.

We bring together leaders from across local systems to understand challenges, identify opportunities and collaborate on solutions.

Beacon

Bringing together leaders from education, government, business and communities to strengthen local ecosystems.

Natural Catalysts

Supporting people who understand their communities deeply to build influence and create change.

4.

Developing the next generation of changemakers

Supporting young people to understand their role in shaping society

Young people inherit complex challenges - from climate change to social inequality - but they also bring new perspectives and energy for change.

Our youth programmes help young people develop confidence, agency and connections with people who can help turn ideas into action.

Student Experiences

Working with students to broaden their understanding of leadership, society and the role they can play beyond their immediate communities.

Generation Earthshot

Creating opportunities for young people to connect across backgrounds, develop leadership skills and engage with real-world challenges.

How our impact happens

1
Connecting people who would not normally meet

We create environments where different perspectives come together, enabling greater understanding, trust and collaboration.

2
Building leadership capability

We help people develop the confidence, curiosity and skills needed to navigate complexity.

3
Enabling collective action

The relationships formed through Common Purpose continue beyond programmes, creating networks that help people solve problems together.

Measuring Our Impact

We are committed to understanding not only who participates in our programmes, but what changes afterwards. We measure:

Individual impact

  • Increased confidence 
  • Greater understanding of different perspectives 
  • Improved ability to collaborate 

Organisational impact

  • Stronger cross-sector relationships 
  • New approaches to challenges 
  • Increased leadership capability 

Societal impact

  • New collaborations 
  • Community initiatives 
  • Greater connection between people and institutions 

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Lynda Mansson
Director General, MAVA Foundation
"We wanted to work with Common Purpose because of their track record, and their expertise in Cross-Boundary Leadership. It has proved to be a very successful and fruitful partnership. It is hugely important that leaders working in conservation, and the wider environmental movement, are able to work collaboratively with leaders from other fields."
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Ilka Dunne
Former Leadership, Culture and Young Talent, Rand Merchant Bank
"Common Purpose has partnered with us on a range of programmes for the bank, including our NGO leadership network. Common Purpose is always open to co-creating a programme that truly fits the place, system and people, and is therefore able to deliver initiatives that deliver on some of the most subtle of outcomes."
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Will Somerville
UK Director, Unbound Philanthropy
"We supported Common Purpose because we were impressed by their programmes for diaspora leaders. What was most inspiring was the quality of the participants, and the way the programmes unleashed their creativity and energy to tackle challenges in their communities in the UK and countries of origin. The value that diaspora leaders can bring was really evident."