Engines of impact: The multiple roles of PIOs
PIOs achieve impact by embracing connection, credibility, catalytic action, capability and capacity. This allows them to play multiple roles - as convenors, advocates, ecosystem builders, knowledge hubs, and capacity enablers.
The strength of PIOs lies not in a single function, but in their ability to connect and coordinate diverse efforts, amplify collective voices, translate field insights into policy, and provide both strategic and practical support to the wider philanthropic and non-profit ecosystem.
This versatility allows them to respond to emerging challenges, align stakeholders around shared goals, and ensure that the philanthropy sector is both resilient and forward-looking.
According to our survey results, among Philea’s PIO members, at least two-thirds engage in activities that are central to the resilience and effectiveness of the philanthropy sector.
They do this by embracing connection, credibility, catalytic action, capability and capacity.
(Based on the WINGS original methodology)
1. Connection: Weaving the fabric of the sector
PIOs are powerful conveners and connectors, ensuring that knowledge, relationships and collaboration flow across boundaries:
- 92% of PIOs organise events, conferences or networking opportunities, bringing funders, civil society and policymakers together.
- 88% host roundtables or working groups, facilitating shared learning and strategic alignment.
- 52% actively facilitate partnerships between funders and civil society, creating bridges for collective impact.
2. Credibility: Building trust and standards
PIOs serve as standard-bearers, helping the sector earn and maintain public trust and holding a mirror to the sector for self-reflection:
- 88% engage in public advocacy or policy work, giving philanthropy a credible, collective voice.
- 72% publish research and case studies, showcasing impact and strengthening transparency.
- 64% establish transparent governance and accountability structures.
- 56% are recognised for consistent and reliable support, becoming trusted anchors in a fast-changing environment.
3. Catalysing change: Sparking innovation and momentum
PIOs are catalysts, identifying needs, launching new initiatives and seeding long-term transformation:
- 80% highlight issues requiring collective responses, helping the sector tackle complex societal challenges.
- 52% incubate new initiatives or actors, enriching the ecosystem with fresh thinking.
- 52% invest in building new capacities, such as nurturing cultures of giving.
4. Capability: Equipping the sector to create impact
Beyond vision, philanthropic organisations need the right tools and frameworks to operate effectively:
- 76% offer skills development programmes, as well as training and professional development programmes.
- 60% of PIOs create tools, models or frameworks that strengthen philanthropic strategy and practice. They equip organisations with the how of philanthropy - methods, guidance and innovation.
5. Capacity: Powering action through tangible support
Great ideas require resources. PIOs help ensure the sector has what it needs to act:
- 52% provide funding, materials or other tangible resources to support organisations in the field. They also build technical infrastructure (such as online platforms for grantmaking, online giving and crowdfunding), and leverage extra funds by unlocking the existing resources in the system.
