A Handbook for Funder Collaborations

A Handbook for Funder Collaborations, published by Jewish Funders Network, is an essential guide for funders looking to work together more effectively. Whether you are forming a pooled fund, launching a joint initiative, or considering a long-term strategic partnership, this handbook offers practical tools and real-world lessons to help your collaboration succeed.

Free to download, the guide walks funders through key stages of collaboration—from identifying shared goals to designing structures, governance, and communication plans. It also provides tested templates, checklists, and sample agreements, helping both new and experienced funders avoid common pitfalls and build stronger, more sustainable partnerships.

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This resource is part of JFN’s Guidebooks for Intelligent Giving series and reflects the network’s deep experience supporting funder collaboratives across issue areas and geographies. Whether you are responding to urgent crises, tackling systemic challenges, or experimenting with collective impact, the handbook offers insights on how to build trust, share risk, and align strategies.

JFN supports funder collaboration through:

• Facilitating the launch and management of collaborative philanthropic initiatives

• Hosting convenings where funders can meet potential partners and explore synergies

• Providing coaching and advisory support for funder groups at all stages

• Offering a platform for shared learning, evaluation, and field-wide knowledge exchange

Funder collaboration can be challenging, but with the right tools and guidance, it is also one of the most effective ways to drive large-scale change. This handbook helps Jewish funders do it thoughtfully and well.

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To learn more about how JFN supports funder collaborations or to request a consultation, email info@jfunders.org.