The Funders’ Network exists to inspire, strengthen and expand funding and philanthropic leadership that yield environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically prosperous regions and communities.
In 2012, the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (TFN) commissioned Reconnecting America to conduct a national scan of transit-oriented development (TOD) activities across the United States. The goal of this scan was to assess the level of activity and momentum around TOD across the country. Of special interest was the role that funders are playing to influence TOD outcomes that are benefitting low- and moderate-income people--what we call equitable TOD--and drawing lessons from their experiences.
Examples From The Field|Special Report
128 Pages
2009
As part of its 10th anniversary, the Funders’ Network commissioned this compilation of essays from leading thinkers in the movement for smarter growth that challenge philanthropy to think about its role over the next 10 years.
Examples From The Field|Special Report
24 Pages
2009
Catherine Porter, in this guide for place-based foundations interested in engaging in climate change, offers strategies for understanding the current situation and opportunities for action. She features a number of voices from funders already working in this area.
Examples From The Field
2 Pages
2007
The Fairfield County Community Foundation has become a strong leader and role model—breaking down silos among housing, workforce development, and transportation.
Examples From The Field|Special Report
12 Pages
2006
Based on interviews with 12 community foundations from across North America, this report describes new ways that community foundations are improving the areas in which they live and do their work. By taking on issues such as jobs, economic development, land use, transportation, housing, urban/suburban equity (and disparities), and conservation—many community foundations have created powerful levers for improving their local communities, and their own institutions.
These case studies address a range of community foundation initiatives that are bringing together stakeholders to make college accessible, affordable, and attainable for non-traditional and traditional students. Commissioned and prepared by the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities with support from the Lumina Foundation for Education, the case studies were written by Aleta Watson and Amy Rutledge.
Examples From The Field|Special Report
52 Pages
2009
As part of its 10th anniversary, the Funders’ Network commissioned this series of reflections to tell stories from our membership and provide examples about the range of tools funders are employing and the impacts they’re achieving. Researched and written by Neil F. Carlson.
Special Report
20 Pages
2008
This guide focuses on the intersection of race, class, and access to opportunity with growth/ development decisions made by governments, private developers, and nonprofit organizations. It’s intended to assist funders in making decisions to provide more philanthropic resources for projects and efforts that are transformative in nature, resulting in the reduction of local and regional disparities; the development of leadership opportunities across a range of communities; and the advancement of strategies that simultaneously benefit people and place.
Examples From The Field
4 Pages
2007
This unprecedented, multi-year initiative to tackle heart disease and preventable cancer in Minnesota uses community funding efforts to spread active living principles and achieve positive health outcomes.
Examples From The Field
10 Pages
2005
There are creative ways to counter sprawling development patterns by building healthy, vibrant neighborhoods with a mix of land uses and affordable homes/apartments—both advancing housing goals and promoting smarter growth patterns.
