UpMetrics’ Collaborative Cohort program is a transformative grant opportunity that allows grantmakers to invest in nonprofits more effectively by providing the tools and training they need to thrive. The yearlong program provides nonprofits with impact measurement software, skill-building coaching, and group-based learning opportunities.
Grantmakers who build stronger, more collaborative relationships with nonprofits can strengthen nonprofit resilience and accelerate their community impact. You just need essential data skills, powerful measurement tools, and a space to learn and grow together.
Each cohort is sponsored by a grantmaker and provides a group of selected nonprofits with impact measurement software, skill-building coaching, and group-based learning opportunities for one year.
Grantees can learn and grow with other nonprofit teams navigating similar challenges. These facilitated sessions focus on real-time problem solving, shared experiences, and practical skill-building.
Funders and grantees both receive a one-year subscription to the UpMetrics platform. Our industry-leading tool enables organizations to collect, analyze, and communicate impact data—all in one place.
Nonprofits receive training and support every step of the way. The end goal? Grantees are set up for success and equipped to sustain their work long-term.
Grantees learn how to track their impact and tell meaningful stories about their work that resonate with funders and the people they serve.
Grantees learn practical, data-driven strategies to strengthen their work and build long-term stability for their organizations.
Grantees learn from each other, share ideas, and build relationships with peers and funders who share their goals.
FREE GUIDE
This free guide explores how leading foundations are reimagining their support models by investing in trust, peer learning, and data-informed collaboration.
Drawing on real-world examples from UpMetrics’ Collaborative Cohorts—including a Ballmer Group-funded initiative in Southeast Michigan—you’ll gain practical insights to bring to your own grantmaking strategy.
"We could’ve spent all day in those breakout sessions—just learning from each other and exploring each other’s frameworks. That kind of experience isn’t possible virtually or one-on-one. Having 30 of us in the same room, coming from different perspectives but all working to improve Metro Detroit—that’s incredibly powerful.
From the moment we started, the energy was high. We just wanted to keep the conversations going, and I hope we can carry that same connection and momentum forward."
- Pam Debono, Executive Director for Fund Development
"The best part about the Cohort is hearing about challenges other organizations are facing and what solutions they've found for themselves.
I feel like I'm learning something new to bring back to R.O.C.K. after each session, and I really hope I'm leading others with some of our lessons learned as well."
- Curt Yagi, Executive Director
"Working with UpMetrics has been a great experience and has really helped our organization to level up when it comes to data management and reporting. They provide step-by-step instructions and great ideas when we didn't know how to implement or structure our data sets.
We are thankful to have been a part of this cohort and are excited about the future of data reporting for our key stakeholders."
- Brittney Robbins, CEO
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Since inception, we've activated cohorts in more than 10 communities across the United States, servicing over 500,000 community members and covering all major thematic areas.
Take a look at our active cohorts for 2025 👉
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The Chicago Cohort was spearheaded by the Foglia Family Foundation in 2018, and has supported more than 75 grantees since that time.
Active Funders: The Cohort is currently celebrating its 5th year of being funded by three foundations: Foglia Family Foundation, IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation, and Christopher Family Foundation.
Current Grantees: 16
Learn MoreThe Southeast Michigan Community Impact Cohort is designed to strengthen nonprofit capacity, drive data-informed decision-making, and deepen social impact across Michigan’s Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Active Funders: Ballmer Group
Current Grantees: 30
The Bay Area Cohort was created in UpMetrics' home base to support nonprofit organizations with programs primarily serving Bay Area community residents.
Active Funders: The Cohort is currently funded by five foundations: Quest Foundation, Walther Family Foundation, O'Brien Family Foundation, Morgan Family Charitable, and the Payne Family Foundation.
Current Grantees: 5
Let's Connect!
Complete the form to register your interest in either launching a Collaborative Cohort for nonprofit grantees, or joining an upcoming cohort as a grantee.
Please note that submitting your interest is not a formal application or commitment. It’s simply a way to raise your hand and say: “This sounds exciting—I'd like to learn more!”
Nonprofits that participate in our cohorts increase their funding by 55.8% year over year, on average.
