What are donor networks?
Donor networks provide education and peer support for people with financial surplus who want to use their money and talents to make a better world.
What networks are out there?
- In the past two decades, nearly two dozen educational networks have developed for donors in the United States. Most are national, and welcome members from all over the country. We encourage you to go to the Links page and browse some of the sites.
Who can be members?
- Each network has its own membership requirements.
- Some are open to anyone interested in the issues.
- Some require a certain level of annual giving (e.g. $25,000/year)
- Some require a certain level of net worth (e.g. $1 million, not including residence)
- Some require a membership process (e.g. being sponsored by an existing member)
Why should I join a donor network?
Because through donor networks you can:
- Meet people to inspire and mentor you
- Gain knowledge, skills, confidence and momentum
- Experience the increased impact of collective action
- Form life-long friendships
- Grow faster from a "socially conscious person with wealth" into an "inspired philanthropist" (see Road Map)
How can I get started?
- .If you want something quick, or if your are relatively new to the issues of wealth and/or philanthropy, we strongly encourage you to subscribe to More Than Money Journal and to consider joining the More Than Money network. More Than Money offers the broadest education and support, with the least time and money, and the staff there can help you figure out what other networks might best match your needs.
- If you are under 36 and interested in progressive social change, Resource Generation is the place to start.
- If you have the time, look through the Donor Network links page and check out several networks that attract you. If you already have a philanthropic area of interest, you might want to join a network that focuses on that interest, as well as one that offers broader and more personal support.
- Don't let the plethora of choices bog you down! If you're overwhelmed, start anywhere, and one will lead you to the next. Feel free to contact us if you need help understanding the differences between networks.