Unlikely Collaborators Inc

Unlikely Collaborators is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals resolve internal conflict and foster human connection by expanding their understanding of the “Perception Box” framework. Headquartered in West Hollywood, CA, the organization's mission centers on promoting transformative storytelling and self-investigation.

The organization offers a range of services and initiatives, including experiences, storytelling platforms, impact-driven projects, and strategic investments, all designed to challenge and broaden individual perspectives. They provide educational content such as videos, podcasts, articles, and workshops, and support mission-aligned nonprofit organizations with financial, logistical, and promotional assistance. Unlikely Collaborators also hosts events like “Spark Salons” and an annual “Game Jam” to engage the public in its core concepts.

Founded by Elizabeth R. Koch, who developed the “Perception Box” framework, Unlikely Collaborators is led by President Lisa Gregorian, with Sarah Haberman recently joining as Head of Community and Impact in April 2026. Recent activities include announcing the winners of its second annual Game Jam and launching a national Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund projects aligned with its framework. The organization also made a $200,000 grant to the Fireside Project in April 2026.

Latest updates

Unlikely Collaborators Deepens Commitment to Grief Support with $2M Grant

Event summary

  • Unlikely Collaborators has awarded Dougy Center a new two-year grant, reportedly in the millions (exact amount not specified).
  • The grant will expand Dougy Center’s peer grief support programs for children, teens, and families, with a focus on inclusivity and community needs.
  • Dougy Center, founded in 1982, is a globally recognized model for bereavement care, pioneering the first peer grief support program for children.
  • Brennan Wood (Dougy Center Executive Director) and Donna L. Schuurman (Dougy Center Senior Director) recently participated in an Unlikely Collaborators Spark Salon discussing grief and resilience.

The big picture

Unlikely Collaborators’ grant to Dougy Center highlights a growing trend of philanthropic investment in mental health and emotional resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations. The organization's focus on 'transformative storytelling' and 'internal conflict resolution' suggests a broader strategy of addressing societal challenges through unconventional means, potentially signaling a shift in philanthropic approaches beyond purely financial aid. Dougy Center's established global reputation and model provide a strong foundation for impact, but its reliance on external funding necessitates careful management and diversification.

What we're watching

Program Efficacy
The effectiveness of Dougy Center’s expanded programs, particularly the Tapestries group for Black and African American families, will be a key indicator of the grant’s impact and potential for scalability.
Funding Sustainability
Given Unlikely Collaborators' unique mission and 'Perception Box' framework, the long-term consistency of this type of philanthropic support remains to be seen.
Model Replication
The extent to which The Dougy Center Model is adopted and adapted by other organizations will determine its broader influence on bereavement care practices.

Unlikely Collaborators Game Jam Highlights Shift in Interactive Storytelling

Event summary

  • Unlikely Collaborators held its second annual Game Jam, concluding April 27, 2026.
  • The competition challenged developers to create games exploring themes of awe, wonder, and identity expansion.
  • A total of $15,000 in prize money was awarded to winning teams.
  • The winning games, all PC-based prototypes, showcase a focus on emotional depth and experimental mechanics.

The big picture

Unlikely Collaborators' Game Jam signals a growing trend toward games that prioritize emotional depth and social impact over traditional entertainment. This shift, coupled with the organization's focus on psychological frameworks like the 'Perception Box,' positions them as a unique player in the evolving interactive storytelling landscape. The relatively small prize pool ($15,000) suggests the organization's primary goal is not financial return but rather fostering a specific type of creative output.

What we're watching

Creative Direction
The consistent thematic focus on 'awe' and identity expansion suggests Unlikely Collaborators is actively shaping the direction of game development, potentially influencing future trends in interactive narratives.
Perception Box
The repeated emphasis on Unlikely Collaborators’ 'Perception Box' framework indicates a deliberate effort to integrate psychological concepts into game design, which could attract a niche audience interested in self-reflection and personal growth.
Partnership Leverage
The reliance on partnerships with IGDA, IGDA Foundation, and Girls Make Games suggests Unlikely Collaborators is leveraging external organizations to expand its reach and influence within the game development community.

Unlikely Collaborators Bets on Internal Shifts with $7.5M Grant Program

Event summary

  • Unlikely Collaborators is launching its first national RFP for US-based nonprofits.
  • The RFP offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, totaling a potential $7.5 million in funding.
  • Applications open April 23, 2026, and close May 22, 2026.
  • The initiative is based on the 'Perception Box™' framework, developed by CEO Elizabeth R. Koch, which focuses on mental model awareness.
  • Funded projects will prioritize compassionate self-examination and tolerance for difficult feelings, excluding advocacy or ideological programming.

The big picture

Unlikely Collaborators' approach represents a growing trend in philanthropy, shifting focus from external systemic change to individual internal transformation. This strategy, while novel, carries inherent measurement challenges and risks being perceived as a niche or experimental approach compared to more traditional philanthropic efforts. The $7.5 million commitment signals a significant investment in this philosophy, suggesting a belief in its potential to drive broader societal impact.

What we're watching

Impact Measurement
The success of this initiative hinges on Unlikely Collaborators’ ability to quantify the impact of projects focused on internal shifts, a notoriously difficult metric to assess.
Framework Adoption
Wider adoption of the 'Perception Box™' framework by other philanthropic organizations or institutions will depend on demonstrable results and a compelling narrative.
Selection Bias
The selection process for grant recipients will be critical; the organization must avoid reinforcing existing biases and ensure diverse perspectives are represented.
CID: 2257