This document discusses networks and their importance. It defines a network as a collection of people connected through relationships. Networks come in many forms, such as those within organizations, cultivated by a single organization, coalitions, alliances, and networks of networks. Networks are powerful due to their ability to self-organize and experience rapid growth. Networks are good for weaving communities, accessing new perspectives, sharing and building knowledge, mobilizing people, and coordinating resources and action. The document asks questions about how foundations can catalyze, foster, support, and become networked by leading with a network mindset and using social network mapping. It provides information on learning more about network funding.

1. The Funder’s Role in Networks

2. Why do networks matter for YOU?

3. A collection of peopleWhat is a social network?connected by relationships

4. networkadjective: connected, transparent, decentralized

5. verb: to connect, to spread, to organize into a network

6. noun: a structural form for organizing Networks come in many different forms networks inside organizations

7. Networks come in many different forms networks cultivated by a single organization

8. Networks come in many different forms coalitions and alliances

9. Networks come in many different forms multi-hub networks

10. Networks come in many different forms networks of networksSource of network image: orgnet

11. What makes networks powerful?self-organizationSource of network image: orgnet

12. What makes networks powerful?rapid growth

13. What are networks good for?Weaving communities

14. Accessing perspectives

15. Sharing and building knowledge

16. Mobilizing people

17. Coordinating resources and actionWhat are networks good for? weaving and engaging communities

18. What are networks good for? accessing many and new perspectives

19. What are networks good for?sharing and building knowledge

20. What are networks good for? mobilizing people and building movements

21. What are networks good for?! coordinating resources and action

22. Questions we’d like to discuss with you:How can a foundation catalyze and foster networks?

23. How can a foundation support networks?

24. How can a foundation become networked? What does it mean to lead with a network mindset?

25. How can grantmakers use social network mapping?

26. What constitutes a healthy network?

27. How do you assess network impact?How can you learn more?Join Network of Network Funders group on WiserEarth

28. How can you learn more?Join WiserEarth group: www.wiserearth.orgDownload Network Funders resources on GEO Conference site & WiserEarth –diagnostic tool and topic briefsStay tuned for:Interim report on learning from Network of Network FundersFunders’ Guide to Networks (GEO pub, 2011)Leave your business card

29. THANK YOU!Diana Scearce (Diana_Scearce@monitor.com)Barbara Kibbe (Barbara_Kibbe@monitor.com)This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.