Why+might+a+foundation+catalyze+and+foster+networks?


 * // Why might a foundation catalyze and foster networks? //**

Grantmakers are in a special position to connect and convene leaders in a field. They have a view of activity going on across their field, they typically have a corresponding social network, and their influence as a funder incents people to come to the table. It’s natural that foundations are frequent initiators of network activity. Yet, many grantmakers don’t see themselves as full participants in the networks they catalyze. They want to broker the connections but they don’t want to be at the center of the network. They don’t want to be a gatekeeper for information flows and relationships, nor do they want to be the primary source of funding. So, when should a grantmaker catalyze or foster a network and how to do so most effectively?

A grantmaker might catalyze or foster a network for all of the reasons mentioned earlier:
 * To weave community, like the Barr Foundation has done connecting leaders in the city of Boston through their fellows program.
 * To access new perspectives, like the Peery Foundation did by asking for input to their strategy process through Twitter.
 * To build and share knowledge by learning from others within a field, such as the Network of Network Funders or the many funder affinity groups are doing.
 * To mobilize people or engage stakeholders around an issue or action, like Marguerite Casey has worked to do in its movement building work.
 * To initiate coordinated or collective activity by bringing together leaders in an issue area, such as the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Youth Matters Initiative.

__When shouldn’t a funder catalyze a network?__

Before catalyzing a newly formalized network, look for existing networks (formal or informal) where you can provide value and meet your goals.

Also, take a moment consider what attributes, perspectives or practices you have as a funder that pose challenges to taking this approach. For example, acting as the network catalyst can be extremely time consuming, be sure you have ample time and willpower to dedicate.