How can I learn more about donor networks?
" Many advisors help their clients find opportunities for collaboration, be it with an individual donor, a group of donors or with a foundation, government agency or corporation in the community. The point is to leverage the donor’s dollars. " Thomas Backer, Human Interaction Research Institute
Advisors can play an important match-making role in linking clients up with like-minded individuals.
While some people believe that giving is a very private activity, others would like to share the pleasure of giving and take part in a group where issues relating to wealth and charity can be discussed freely.
Clients tend to appreciate opportunities for peer networking that helps them learn about individual causes, pick up insights into the role of philanthropy in family life and hear about other people’s strategies for giving. So they want help with finding role model donors from whom they can learn best practice, identifying collaborators and connecting with peers.
In some areas of giving, such as the arts, there are far more opportunities to meet fellow donors than in others, such as social welfare or overseas development. In the UK a number of formal and informal networks are emerging around areas of interest. Some are private, but others have open meetings and encourage new members.
Of course, not all clients like the idea of collaborating with others, which some may view as too restrictive or bureaucratic. And first-generation wealthy may be less likely to collaborate than their children or grandchildren.
- We highlight some networking organisations below.
Case study: donor network
Culture House is the high-level membership scheme run by Arts & Business for individuals who are passionate about the arts and philanthropy. The programme offers members exclusive access to events covering the full spectrum of today’s cultural life as well as providing opportunities to network with like-minded people and key cultural and political figures.
Organisations
- The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the membership association for grant-making foundations and the largest funding network in the UK. It publishes information and provides a forum for members to learn from each other. Its members include individuals who give through a charitable trust.
- Giving through a community foundation may offer opportunities for co-operation and shared learning. You can find out about the community foundation in your area from the Community Foundation Network.
- Environmental Funders Network is an informal network of around 50 mainly UK trusts, foundations and individuals making grants on environmental and conservation issues.
- European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) is a membership association of organisations and individuals who are practising or are interested in venture philanthropy. The EVPA provides a networking forum and other support for its members, in addition to promoting venture philanthropy throughout Europe.
- Grantmakers without Borders is a network of trustees and staff of public and private foundations as well as individual donors who practice global social change philanthropy.
- Jewish Funders Network is an international organisation of family foundations, public philanthropies, and individual funders dedicated to advancing the quality and growth of philanthropy rooted in Jewish values.
- The Network for Social Change is a member-driven network committed to funding sustainability and social justice.
- Synergos Global Philanthropists Circle is a dynamic network of leading international philanthropists dedicated to eliminating poverty and increasing equity worldwide.
- The Funding Network (TFN) is a member-driven giving network of individuals from a variety of backgrounds who come together to fund social change. Funding events - lively pledging sessions for projects sponsored by members - take place in London, Bristol, Leeds and Scotland.
- Trusts in Partnership is developing the concept of a 'giving club' (also known as a 'micro-trust'). Each micro-trust operates under the larger umbrella of the partnership, which provides charitable status and one set of annual accounts. Tax reclaims, administration, research, coaching and so on are also done by the partnership. The focus of the giving of each micro trust is set by the donors. You can e-mail them at londonpartnership@hotmail.com.
- UKSIF is a UK membership network for socially responsible investment (SRI).
- Women's Funding Network is a partnership of women's funds, donors, and allies around the world.
