‘Networks’ have been much talked about over the past decade, but how much does the philanthropy world really understand about them and how to make the most of them? Guest editors Harald Katzmair and Chet Tchozewski consider what constitutes a network and why philanthropists should care about them. Two eminent thinkers from the field of ecological research, Buzz Holling and Robert Ulanowicz, suggest that we could learn from processes in the natural world, while physicist Geoffrey West draws parallels with the dynamics of social organizations such as cities.
As part of this special feature, Alliance convened a global virtual roundtable to discuss the role of membership associations; Don Tapscott writes about how the internet has changed the way NGOs and philanthropists build relationships; Beth Kanter suggests a job description for the role of chief networking officer; and Lori Bartczak and Diana Scearce consider whether philanthropy can be both networked and strategic. In addition, several articles use real-life examples from around the world to show the power of networks.
The December issue of Alliance also brings together a group of funders, grantees and others as the CEE Trust prepares to wind down to consider whether it has fulfilled its goals and what its legacy will be. Two separate articles look at the vexed question of how foundations can be legitimate actors in influencing public policy and creating social change. Plus further interviews, opinion columns, articles, reviews, conference reports and global updates.
