Background

Funders Together for Housing Justice’s regional networks function like local chapters of Funders Together, sharing our north star of housing justice and aligned in our missions. Each operates autonomously, however, with variations in structure, staffing, budget, and activities. At the time of this writing, every housing justice network or funder collaborative is fiscally sponsored by a parent organization; none are independent 501c3s.  

Recognizing some distinctions may exist, this resource uses the term “incubator” to refer to all types of parent organizations, including fiscal agents, sponsors, etc. At minimum, incubators employ the funder network’s Director (and any other staff), affording them the same benefits and HR considerations as other staff.  

This non-exhaustive list delineates considerations for selecting an incubator for an emerging funder network. Three umbrella types include the following.   

• Foundation: public, private, or community foundations whose principal function is grantmaking.  
• Intermediary: a range of organization types including United Ways that fundraise for their grantmaking, often provide direct services, or operate other programs such as research and advocacy.  
• Philanthropy Serving Organization (PSO): an association of funders of various types, either specific to a topic (“issue-based PSO”) or a geographic area (“regional PSO”). 

Strengths and Weaknesses by Incubator Type

Questions for Consideration

• Does the prospective incubator share the values of the network, specifically regarding housing and racial justice?  
• Does the incubator enjoy a positive reputation in the homelessness/housing advocacy community? In the philanthropic community?  
• Does the incubator have the infrastructure to host a pooled fund? What are its requirements for doing so?  
• Is it more important that the incoming network Director work amongst peers in philanthropy or in homelessness advocacy?  
• Is the prospective incubator excited at the idea of hosting the network? Neutral? Pessimistic?  
• Does the incubator consider the prospect of hosting a Funders Together network to serve its own mission? Is it a natural function of their own work?  
• Does the network leadership desire active participation on behalf of the incubator in the strategy and operations of the network, or to be allowed complete autonomy?  
• Are there administrative fees or other fees associated with the incubator? 
• Does the prospective incubator require a term-limited contract?  
• Is the infrastructure at the incubator set up or is this their first effort?