Philanthropy Bridging Divides (PBD) brings together a small group of CEOs of philanthropic institutions from across the country in a confidential conversation to better understand ‘other’ ideological perspectives and connect beyond political divides. Now in its sixth year, this project creates a safe space for conversations and enhances the capacity of foundations to think together about philanthropy’s role in America.

Working with Mediators Board Member John Steiner, and Stephen Heintz, President of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, we launched the project with a first convening at RBF’s Pocantico Conference Center in New York in 2017. Co-founders Chris Gates and Mark Gerzon facilitated the meeting, which has been followed by meetings every year since (online during the pandemic). Most of the original participants are still involved and several new philanthropic leaders have been invited to participate in the ensuing years. Our goal is to continue to remain a small, informal group focused on private conversations that organically lead to deeper understanding and collaboration.

Through annual convenings, zoom sessions, and study groups over the past five years, this small group of philanthropic leaders of every stripe – private, community, family, and associations – have been discussing and debating what their role can and should be during this difficult time. PBD participants have come to the conclusion that they can both fight for the causes they believe in and be a part of a conversation about what role they can play in turning down the volume on the vitriol that currently dominates our national dialogue.

Project Director Bio:

Christopher T. Gates is the director of the Philanthropy Bridging Divides, a national trans-partisan effort to explore how philanthropy can help bridge ideological divides in America. He is also a lecturer at Georgetown University’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative and an elected Fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration. Gates also speaks and teaches around the country on the topics of leadership, civic engagement, philanthropic practice, and democratic renewal. Gates previously led three national organizations; he served as President of the Sunlight Foundation, Executive Director of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, and President of the National Civic League. Gates currently serves on the board of directors of Public Agenda and Open Secrets, and the national advisory board of the National Civic League.