After several years of research, practice, and collaboration with leaders across philanthropy, we are excited to share the Pluralistic Leadership framework.
In this short video, we introduce the core question that led to this work:
How do philanthropic institutions make good decisions in an increasingly complex world?
Pluralistic Leadership is a governance design framework that explores how institutions can expand their institutional intelligence by integrating multiple forms of expertise — including lived experience, professional knowledge, and community insight — into leadership and decision-making.
This framework is not a checklist. It is an invitation to rethink how leadership, authority, and governance function in institutions that exist to serve the public good — especially in a time of rising complexity, uncertainty, and social change.
You can read the full framework and explore the Pluralistic Leadership Series here:
We hope this work is useful to trustees, CEOs, program staff, and proximate leaders working to help institutions navigate complexity with greater wisdom, legitimacy, and effectiveness.
We look forward to learning with you.
With respect for the work ahead,
—Tomás & Uma
Co-creators, Pluralistic Leadership Framework

