American Leadership Forum: 2025 Network Funding Spotlight

Filed Under: Vibrant Community - Posted @ 5:42pm

Guiding Focus of Network 

The American Leadership Forum Tacoma/Pierce County (ALF) exists to join and strengthen a diverse community of leaders who are committed to serving the public good. Our network focuses on building leadership capacity across sectors, fostering trust-based relationships and equipping leaders to collaborate across differences to address complex community challenges. 

How Network Was Formed 

ALF was formed as a regional affiliate of National American Leadership Forum, rooted in the belief that the most pressing challenges facing our communities cannot be solved in silos. The network was created to bring together leaders from business, nonprofit, education, government, healthcare, and the military to engage in deep relationship-building, values-based leadership development and shared learning experiences. Over time, the network has grown into a vibrant community of Fellows and Senior Fellows committed to civic leadership, collaboration and collective impact in Pierce County. 

Shared Successes That Have Emerged From This Network 

• The successful graduation of our 31st Fellows Class, expanding a robust Senior Fellows network of leaders actively engaged across the region. 

• Strong cross-sector relationships that continue well beyond the formal Fellows Program, leading to collaboration, mentorship and community problem-solving. 

• Increased engagement through convenings, leadership dialogues and community events that strengthen trust, connection and shared purpose. 

• Sustained organizational momentum during a year of growth and transition, including expanded fundraising, donor engagement and pubic visibility. 

1-2 Big Goals Your Network is Hoping to Achieve in 2026 

1. Deepen Network Activation: Increase opportunities for Fellows and Senior Fellows to collaborate on community challenges through intentional convenings, leadership labs and cross-sector initiatives. 
2. Strengthen Sustainability and Access: Expand sustainability through diversified fundraising while increasing access to leadership development for leaders in Pierce County.

Advice For Others Looking to Leverage Networks to Help Build a Thriving Community

Challenges to Anticipate 

• Maintaining engagement over time as leaders balancing demanding professional and personal commitments. 

• Navigating differing perspectives, priorities and power dynamics across sectors. 

• Ensuring the network remains inclusive, relevant and responsive as community needs evolve. 

Tips for Navigating Challenges 

• Invest early and consistently in relationship-building and trust. 

• Create spaces for honest dialog, reflection, and learning across difference. 

• Be clear about expectations while remaining flexible and adaptive. 

• Anchor the work in shared values rather than transactional outcomes. 

How to Build Shared Goals 

• Begin with listening. Understand what motivates members and what challenges they care most deeply about. 

• Co-create goals through dialogue rather than top-down planning.  

• Revisit and refine shared goals regularly to ensure alignment with community realities and network capacity. 

Any Additional Advice 

Strong networks are built on relationships, not programs alone. Prioritize connection, lead with curiosity and create opportunities for people to bring their full selves to the work. When leaders feel seen, valued and trusted, networks become powerful engines for community impact.