Synergos is a global nonprofit organization that helps solve complex problems of poverty and inequality by creating and promoting collaborative partnerships among business, government, civil society, and marginalized communities.

Systemic change requires collaboration. Solutions to poverty are often built in silos – and therefore fail. Governments, civil society, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, marginalized communities, and other participants in systemic change must work together – not in silos – to achieve long-term solutions to poverty around the world.

Synergos creates collaborative partnerships to combat poverty. Synergos convenes all parties involved in addressing a particular issue of poverty. They align partners under their common goal and facilitate work between groups with often disparate viewpoints and interests. And they help those they work with to generate, test and implement ideas that lead to sustainable and systemic change.

In addition, Synergos Consulting Services offers similar support to businesses seeking to increase their social impact.

Synergos also works with networks of individual leaders around the world, helping increase their impact as changemakers.

Synergos was founded in 1986 by Peggy Dulany, who serves as their Chair. Since then, Synergos has supported innovative initiatives in more than 30 countries and regions.

PROGRAMS

Synergos works through partnerships, networks and knowledge sharing. In over twenty years, they have worked in over 30 countries and regions, including Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, India, Mexico, including the U.S-Mexico border, the Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Partnerships
Synergos’ Partnerships program is a global effort to create sustainable social progress by forging collaborations that transcend traditional social boundaries. The program brings together people and institutions in government, business, nonprofits and local communities most affected by poverty and social injustice.

As the convener of these partnerships, Synergos helps empower the various stakeholders to better address their issues, and works to identify overall strategies and specific projects that benefit poor and marginalized people in each region. 

Networks

Synergos currently has two global networks -- the Senior Fellows and the Global Philanthropists Circle. These networks allow members to learn from each other’s work, make new connections, develop their skills and take their work to new levels. In addition, we support regional networks such as through our Middle East/North Africa Social Innovators Program.

Synergos’ Senior Fellows are an international network of distinguished civil society leaders committed addressing poverty and inequity. Launched in 1999, the current cadre of more than 90 Fellows come from more than 30 countries around the world. The network aims to enhance their skills, knowledge and experience through peer-to-peer learning, regional gatherings, learning journeys, workshops and contact with influential people and institutions.

Founded in 2001 by Synergos Chair Peggy Dulany and her father, David Rockefeller, the Global Philanthropists Circle is a network of more than 250 individuals from more than 25 countries who are committed to using their time, influence and resources to address issues of poor and marginalized communities. The Circle provides opportunities for members to advance their own philanthropic projects by drawing on the advice, experience, relationships, and collaboration of other members. Synergos also provides services in strategic planning and other topics to specific members and their families. 

Knowledge Sharing

Synergos is dedicated to sharing what they’ve learned through their work. Their Knowledge Resources offers free materials, including practical tools, guidebooks, case studies and methodologies for those working on poverty and social justice. Soon, they will offer more interactive features for social networking, online communities, convenings and trainings.