Thriving Neighborhoods Network (TNN) Express Interest
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Learning Season

Learning Season 2027–2028

Through small Learning Tables, members explore focused questions, bring real challenges from their work, draw on one another’s experience and resources, and put new ideas into practice.

The shape of the season

  1. Dec 2026 – Jan 2027Preparing together

    Members choose their Tables, begin to agree on focused learning questions, and set initial expectations, guided by the TNN Convener.

  2. Feb 12–14, 2027Opening retreat

    We take stock of the wisdom already among us, name what we haven’t cracked yet, and give Tables time to design their learning plans.

  3. April 2027 – June 2028Learning at the Tables

    Tables carry out their plans through site visits, shared reading, guest contributors, or conversations with practitioners, with regular exchanges across the network.

  4. Spring 2028Concluding retreat

    Each Table shares what it learned and contributes something to the Network Library. Together we ask, “Now what?”

Working timeline

  1. November 18, 2026TNN information session
  2. December 1, 2026Individual interest forms and organizational commitments due
  3. January 2027Initial Learning Table conversations
  4. January 15, 2027Signed organizational letters of support due
  5. January 30, 2027Affinity grant application deadline
  6. February 12–14, 2027Opening retreat at Montreat
  7. April 1, 2027grant-funded activities begin
  8. Spring 2028Concluding retreat
  9. June 30, 2028grant-funded activities conclude

Deadline Retreat

What you get, what we ask

What you get

You can expect to gain:

  • peers who understand your work;
  • opportunities to draw on the expertise, relationships, and resources of other organizations;
  • support from the TNN Convener to focus and follow through;
  • two shared retreats;
  • access to the network library and map;
  • chances to co-create tools and pursue joint funding;
  • and a voice in shaping TNN.

What we ask

We ask you to:

  • attend both retreats;
  • take an active part in a Table and its learning plan;
  • share honestly, including what hasn’t worked;
  • pass learning across Tables;
  • contribute to the network library;
  • keep your profile current;
  • and commit about 3–5 hours monthly (retreats and travel not included).

How the grant fits

TNN is broader than any one grant. Parish Collective plans to apply for a Thriving Congregations Affinity Cohort Grant to support a particular learning community within the wider network.

Diagram: the wider Thriving Neighborhoods Network, incubated and convened by Parish Collective, contains the proposed grant-funded learning community (Learning Tables and shared gatherings; one pooled budget administered by Parish Collective; April 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028). Around it: relationships across the network, shared frameworks and tools, the Network Library, and participants beyond the funded cohort. Open full size
TNN is bigger than any one grant. Download
  • Grant funding would be pooled and administered by Parish Collective. Individual organizations do not automatically receive a set amount.
  • Funding may support coordination, administration, Learning Table activities, shared gatherings, and learning resources.
  • Tables will help shape approved learning activities.
  • Exact Table allocations and covered expenses are not yet finalized.
  • Participation and financial support depend on the grant award and the approved budget.
  • Opportunities may be available for people outside the grant-funded cohort, with arrangements to be clarified.

February retreat: Parish Collective will cover the costs of hosting the opening retreat. Participants should plan to cover their own travel. We’re exploring whether some travel assistance may be available, but we can’t guarantee it yet. We’ll share updates as soon as we know more.