Funders+Guide+to+Networks

This draft guide is a work-in-progress. It includes learning synthesized from work of the NNF. Open questions / gaps in our knowledge are also called out. We invite your contributions!

A Note on Sources
In addition to insights surfaced by NNF participants, this Guide also integrates related networks work developed the Monitor Institute, in particular work from our Philanthropy and Networks partnership with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and research conducted for our Cultivating Change through Philanthropy work, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson and W.K. Kellogg foundations.

We have also benefited greatly from the many network thought leaders have shared their time and expertise with the Network of Network Funders: David Bank, Peggy Duvette, June Holley, Chuck House, Kim Amman Howard, Beth Kanter, Sanjeev Khagram, Eugene Kim, Claire Reinelt, Bill Traynor, Steve Wadell, and Hanh Cao Yu.


 * CONTENTS**

Note: items in the table of contents without a link are placeholders for content to be developed.

Why do networks matter for grantmakers? One addition here under the "good news" add integrate wisdom with your own experiences funding networks. **//Part 1: Networks 101//** What are networks? What is the difference between coalitions and networks? What’s the spectrum of network organizing structures? What is the relationship between networks and movements? What is the relationship between networks and collaboration? What are networks good for? How do networks grow and change over time?
 * //Introduction://**
 * Weave community
 * Access many and new perspectives
 * Build and share knowledge
 * Mobilize people
 * Coordinate resources and action

What does it meant to work with a network mindset? What is the role of social media in working with a network mindset? How to make the case to your foundation for working and funding in this way?
 * // Part 2: Working with a Network Mindset //**

Why might a foundation catalyze and foster networks? What roles can funders play? How can foundations support networks? How should a foundation’s networks work be staffed? What is the role of the program officer? What skills and characteristics are needed for this work? How can a foundation support network weaving? What are the different models?
 * //Part 3: The Practice of Network Grantmaking//**

//**Part 4: Assessing Network Impact**// How to approach assessing the impact of networks? What’s challenging? What needs to be assessed? What principles should inform network impact assessment?

What constitutes a healthy network? Social network mapping and analysis How to hold network space? Tips for effective facilitation and convening design How to weave virtual communities? How to integrate online and in-person network weaving? Additional tools
 * //Part 5: Tools to help grantmakers work with networks//**

ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION: Making Connections Initiative BARR FOUNDATION: After School Network Weaving BARR FOUNDATION: Boston Green and Healthy Building Network BARR FOUNDATION: Fellows Network CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT: Latino Obesity Prevention Initiative CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT: California Counts! CASE FOUNDATION: Make It Your Own Awards COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY: Network mapping and weaving in local communities DAVID AND LUCILE PACKARD FOUNDATION: Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions DAVID AND LUCILE PACKARD FOUNDATION: Nitrogen Wiki DAVID AND LUCILE PACKARD FOUNDATION: Organizational Effectiveness and Philanthropy Program GLOBAL GREENGRANTS: Global Advisory Board HAWAI’I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Youth Matters Initiative HAWAI'I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: ISLAND INNOVATION JIM JOSEPH FOUNDATION MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MAINE NETWORK PARTNERS RE-AMP ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION: Web 2.0 Philanthropy Initiative SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS: Early Learning Network SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS: Partner Network TIDES AND THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT: Community Clinics Initiative WIKIMEDIA FOUNDATION: Open Strategy Process
 * // Part 6: Stories of foundations working with a network mindset and supporting networks //**

//**Part 7: Glossary**//