A funder of a network has several ways to help the network connect with other philanthropic funders, right from the start of its engagement with the network:
- Provide technical assistance for fundraising. As a part of investing in the network’s capacity, provide funding and advice the network can use to obtain technical assistance—consultant time, for example—to organize its fundraising outreach. Support can include drafting of case statements to give to potential funders, scanning for potential funders, and coaching on how to engage with funders.
- Open doors to funders. A funder can introduce network leaders to other funders, using its social capital to get the network in front of potentially receptive foundations. In opening doors, funders can “prep” the network for its discussions with funders, sharing what they know about their interests, understanding of network investing, and more. Taking another approach, a funder can invite other funders to observe the network at work, for instance, by attending the network’s annual meeting or other major activity.
- Invest in the network’s capacity, so other funders can target grants for projects with impact. By investing substantially in a network’s operational capacities, a funder can “make room” for other funders to consider funding network projects with potential impacts, rather than also funding capacity. Committing, for example, to fully fund a network’s operations for three to five years would not only make room for project funding, but also demonstrates the funder’s confidence in the network.
- Offer the network a challenge grant that would provide other funders with leverage for their own investment. Providing a challenge grant that requires matching resources from other sources can help a network attract other funders to its cause. This can be done in combination with technical assistance that beefs up the network’s ability to organize a high-quality fundraising effort.