The external environment, including policies and actions taken by the public sector, consistently impacts philanthropy and communities yet funders often do not step beyond their role as grantmakers. Seattle Foundation launched Civic Commons as an independent entity to cultivate cross-sector collaboration to address community needs. Civic Commons creates a new paradigm of deep and meaningful cross-sector partnerships to share power and elevate impact. This Washington Bright Spot shows how philanthropies can create cross-sector partnerships and invest in long-term change efforts.