April+5-6+Prework

In preparation for our time together on April 5-6, please...

**#1 Bring with you a visual (an image, a thing) that communicates why you care about networks.** We’ll be sharing and talking about these on the morning of April 5th.

**#2 Read background on the NNF if you're new to the group.** We’ve compiled a brief learning journey on the wiki to help orient newcomers to the NNF. This will help bring you up to speed on the origins of the NNF, how were thinking about networks and philanthropy, and our work to date: http://networksguide.wikispaces.com/For+Newcomers

**#3 Read the attached cases of Network-Centric Grantmaking.** We’ve created a partial set of stories of network-centric grantmaking in action. On the 5th, we’ll have time to talk about patterns across these stories.



**#4 Take a look at “Connected Citizens: The Power, Peril and Potential of Networks.”** In addition, we thought you’d enjoy seeing a report that the Knight Foundation and Monitor Institute will be releasing next week (April 6th). It explores the role of networks in community life, what the future might bring, and the implications for grantmakers. Be sure to take a look at the final section: How Philanthropy Can Make a Difference. The ideas here draw on the NNF work and will serve as input to the Funder’s Guide to Networks.