In 2002, when a small group of private and public funders gathered to see what value there might be in meeting together, they offered their own dreams and ideas during the session. These were then “triaged” into four distinct ways this group could come together with shared interests while acknowledging the inherent limitations as a diverse group of funders (staff, consultants and trustees) representing individual missions. Four levels of engagement were created and they are outlined below with ideas of how and what might fit into each level.

1. Communication – Sharing information – Developing relationships with each other

2. Learning together – Public/Private funders and donors

3. Planning for Collective Action.

4. Action!