Funders+Guide+Introduction



=Introduction=


 * // Why do networks matter for grantmakers? //**

Nature of today’s social and environmental problems require it. Social problems today are increasingly complex and dynamic (wicked problems frame). In order to make a difference, funders need to act in ways that are larger than themselves. Tapping the power of networks and channeling this power for good is one way to do so. People are doing work, learning together, spreading ideas and influence, and coordinating large-scale action through networks. This has been true since the beginning of humankind and is increasing ly ﻿ true today. While networks aren’t new, network potential is growing with the spread of digital tools for connecting and sharing information. We have been and we will be working through networks. Grantmakers have an opportunity to see their location within networks (as partners?) rather than over and above (Susie). Social change makers have an opportunity and an imperative to understand and act on this potential. The good news: There’s a rich body of work to draw on. Lots of experience, knowledge and experimentation tapping networks for positive social returns within philanthropy and beyond. This Guide attempts to capture, synthesize and make accessible existing wisdom and experience about how funders can catalyze networks for good. Offer it so you can compare and integrate with your experiences with networks. SMcA

**//What’s network-centric grantmaking?//**

Funders associate “networks and philanthropy” with a number of different things: convening grantees, visualizing network connections (SNA), using social media, investing in network initiatives, pooling funds, coordinating action, and more. By “network-centric grantmaking” were talking about a way of working and suite of activities that, at once, encompasses all of these activities and is broader than any one activity. It’s way of working, a leadership stance, and an explicit approach toward grantmaking. We’ll look at network-centric grantmaking through the following lenses:


 * 1) **working with a network mindset**-- experimenting with work practices that favor transparency, distributed leadership and working with whole systems also experimentation and real-time learning (Kathy)
 * 2)  **supporting and catalyzing networks** th ﻿r ough smart allocation of resources
 * 3) **contributing to learning** about working with a network mindset, what makes networks work, and how funders can best support and participate in networks.

Go back to the Funders Guide Preliminary Outline.