By Hanh Le, Exponent Philanthropy

Exponent Philanthropy and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) partnered earlier this year to publish Supporting and Engaging in Network: Partnering for Greater Impact. Based on GEO’s Cracking the Network Code, it explores how funders are working with and through networks to achieve more with their giving—essentially, how funders can leverage the power of networks.

And there it is, a phrase we hear and see so often these days: the power of networks. When will we stop hearing people espouse “the power of the network”? Not likely anytime soon, since networks are indeed powerful, and they aren’t going anywhere. Networks, groups or systems of interconnected things or people, have been around as long as there have been things and people, and they will continue to be around as long as things and people continue to exist.

Why all the buzz now, then, and what’s the “so what” for philanthropy?

For one, today’s technology is allowing networks to form, thrive, and grow at a rate few could have imagined a decade or two ago. The Inherent benefits of networks—economies of scale, enhanced collaboration, and greater accountability—are also amplified by technology.

For another, the impact of networks on philanthropy’s key issues—from individuals to ecosystems, counties to countries—is notable and inspiring. Through networks like affinity groups, giving circles, funder and nonprofit collaboratives, and collective impact initiatives, donors are joining with others to work toward powerful, shared goals.

At Exponent Philanthropy, we’re gratified to see the power of our own network. Data from our most recent member survey indicate that our highly engaged members are more likely than less engaged members to report that they have learned and improved as a direct result of their membership in our network. Engaging in our network yields a number of benefits according to our data: being more of a leader, learning nuts and bolts, feeling inspired to having greater impact, being more connected with peers, and feeling engaged in your philanthropic work.

With so many networks out there and a finite amount of time and attention, it can be hard to choose which to engage in and to what degree. Like most things in philanthropy—and life—goals and capacity should inform the decision.

Just like aligning grantmaking to meet philanthropic goals, choosing a philanthropic network and deciding how to participate should also be aligned with your philanthropic goals. To be sure, as your needs, capacity, and interests evolve over time—as well as the strengths, focus, and value of various networks—the networks in which you engage and the degree to which you engage will likely shift.

Take as an example a type of loose network with which many are familiar: the book club. There are lots of good reasons for taking part in a book club, but what do you do if it starts to become a chore? What if it becomes something you dread rather than something that inspires, informs, and connects you? The simple answer might be to move on from the book club. Although that’s always an option, alternatively, you could decide to play a more active role in reinvigorating the book club so that it better meets its goals.

And that’s the beauty of networks: The power of networks—philanthropic and otherwise—ultimately depends on the power of individuals. Something this author hopes never becomes cliché.

Related post: Get Into a Network Mindset

Looking for a great way to strengthen your network? Join 1,000 philanthropy colleagues later this month for Exponent Philanthropy’s 2014 National Conference | Online registration closes October 24

Chief Program Officer Hanh Le leads our Programs and Services Team in guiding, connecting, championing, and elevating philanthropy with few or no staff. She has directed training, grant, and technical assistance programs for KaBOOM!, Community Technology Centers’ Network, and Peace Corps. 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.