Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities Information

The Funders’ Network (TFN) exists to inspire, strengthen and expand funding and philanthropic leadership that yield environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically prosperous regions and communities. Our vision is that the Funders’ Network will be the leading resource in philanthropy for interdisciplinary and transformative thinking and action that gives all people the opportunity to live in more environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically prosperous regions and communities. TFN believes that collaboration is where real change takes root. When funders decide to act, lead, and advance an agenda together, entire regions and policies can be transformed. We staff funder working groups by providing support to help advance shared learning, develop best practices, create policy agendas, support policy reforms, and improve outcomes on issues and in places. While each issue- or place-based funder working group has its own priority agenda and work plan, the working groups use similar models and tactics for raising funder awareness, building funder knowledge and capacity, and facilitating impact and action. These tools and approaches include: -Funder outreach and education -Convening and networking -Research and analysis -Supporting regional and place-based practice -Pooled funds and investments -Policy reform In addition to the working groups currently staffed by the Network, we also provide strategic support and services to other place-based and regional funder collaboratives, such as the Great Communities Collaborative in the Bay Area, the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative in the Twin Cities, and an emerging Intermountain West Funder Network.