By Emily Wexler, GEO, and Hanh Le, Exponent Philanthropy

As grantmakers and nonprofits look for ways to collaborate more effectively, many are working with and through networks to achieve greater impact.

The Sunflower Foundation works with a network of 29 health care safety net providers committed to integrating medical and behavioral health systems.

Said President and CEO Billie Hall, “We see networks as a forum for learning and dialogue—bringing together diverse organizations committed to a common goal. The willingness to share experiences and strategize solutions, the collective voices, and the leadership that emerges from such a network can be the catalyst for change.”

Because networks are by definition loosely controlled and emergent, understanding how to effectively support them can be difficult for many philanthropists. The successful use of networks for collective action is typically guided by a “network mindset,” which consists of four main principles: 

• Humility not brand. Organizations work alongside their peers as equals, and willingly take a back seat when their partners are in a better position to lead.
• Mission not organization. Because the goal is advancing the mission even before advancing the organization, leaders adopt strategies and tactics to achieve the mission, not necessarily to stimulate organizational growth.
• Trust not control. Trust and shared values are far more important than formal control mechanisms, such as contracts or accountability systems.
• Node not hub. Organizations see themselves as one part of a larger web of activity directed toward a cause, not as the hub of the action. 

Before deciding to engage with a network, explore whether and how it could be a worthwhile strategy for you.

• Are you prepared to invest for the long haul in networks?
• Do you seek to understand the perspective of grantees and other funders? How can you persevere in your attempts to understand and learn from the network?
• How might your mission be advanced by becoming an “open source” organization, releasing control of ideas and processes, and supporting communities to generate impact?
• In your areas of work, are networks in place, or are they emerging and in need of your support? Who else is working in the field? What additional resources can you mobilize to support the network?
• How can you support peer groups involved in the network? How can you ensure not only your success, but those of other essential actors?  

Then consider these keys to success:

• Determine the key players and understand how they may relate to one another.
• Fund the administrative costs of collaboration, management, or network infrastructure.
• Provide enough resources to support the network, but not control all decisions and outcomes.
• Let others take a leadership role in building and shaping a network.
• Adapt and/or create ways to assess the impact of network processes.
• Understand the perspective of the other grantees or funders, be willing to learn, and be committed to the network’s success.
• Share resources and expertise with network peers to improve mutual learning, accelerate dissemination, and strengthen ties among network members. 

How might a network mindset help you achieve your goals?

Related posts 

Engaging Unusual Suspects in Your Philanthropy

Key Questions for Collaborators 

Related resources

Cracking the Network Code: Four Principles for Grantmakers

Catalyzing Networks for Social Change: A Funder’s Guide

Sessions at GEO’s 2014 National Conference | March 10-12, Los Angeles
Cracking the Network Code: Four Principles for Grantmakers
Learning from Local Networks: Collaborative Approaches for Community-Focused Grantmakers
The Power of Partnership: Networked Approaches to Supporting Nonprofit Capacity and Leadership

Emily Wexler is a program specialist on GEO’s program team where she develops content for publications and other programming. A former community organizer, Emily received her Master of Public Policy from Duke University’s Sanford School where she focused on the use of communities and research to design effective social policy. Follow GEO on Twitter @geofunders.

Chief Program Officer Hanh Le leads Exponent Philanthropy’s Programs and Services Team in guiding, connecting, championing, and elevating philanthropy with few or no staff. Passionate about collaborative impact and community, Hanh helped launch the DC-area’s first Asian American giving circle, the Cherry Blossom Giving Circle. Follow Hanh on Twitter @HanhLeDC and Exponent Philanthropy @exponentphil.