What+roles+can+funders+play?


 * // What roles can funders play? //**

When catalyzing or activating a network, a funder might play a range of roles—and, in many cases, multiple roles—including:


 * **Catalyst**: establishes value proposition(s); establishes first links to participants (during ‘knitting the network’ stage).
 * **Sponsor**: provides resources for knitting, organizing, growing and transitioning / transforming the network.
 * **Weaver**: works to increase connections among participants; grows the network by connecting to new participants (during ‘knitting the network’ ‘growing the network’ stages).
 * **Coach**: provides advice as needed, once trust is established and power dynamic is well understood.
 * **Participant**: participates in the network without assuming discrete leadership role.
 * **Assessor**: diagnoses network needs.

Inevitably these roles change over time. A program officer might be well-positioned to catalyze a network and do the initial network weaving, and then, eventually, transition to a more hands off role as a sponsor as others take on network weaving responsibilities.

Oftentimes, foundations don’t have the capacity for time intensive work, like weaving or actively participating in the network. They may also wish to have less influence on the network and distance themselves from it. Intermediaries are often engaged to take on these roles. For instance, when the Conservation Alliance was getting off the ground, the Packard Foundation supported a full time network facilitator and coordinator for the first two years.

Whatever role you are assuming, the most important thing is to be intentional and explicit that you are playing that role. Also, be sure to clearly communicate the resources you are bringing and planning to bring to the network (staff time, money, convening space, etc) and your expectations for the network.