Our Work & Structure
CBFN’s work is organized by learning circles, initiatives, learning programs, and annual convenings.
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Learning Circle
An open, ongoing space for members to explore issues, stay informed, and connect with peers working on similar topics. Participation is flexible, so members can join when it's most relevant to their work. Each circle is chaired or co-chaired by a member and supported by dedicated CBFN staff.Initiative
A focused, committed group of members working toward a clear, shared goal. Initiatives bring together a smaller group with a defined scope and output, guided by progress checkpoints and a collective "trigger to close" rather than a fixed deadline. Each Initiative is chaired or co-chaired by a member and supported by dedicated CBFN staff. -
CBFN organizes virtual and in-person learning programs throughout the year. These briefings are tied to work group priorities or cover other current/emergent issues relevant to the network.
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CBFN organizes two in-person convenings a year - our Annual Spring Meeting and Annual Fall Retreat - that move around the region to support the ease of attendance for members. Our annual convenings serve as a space for shared learning, collaboration, and collective action.
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While we are not a grantmaker ourselves, there are times that network members will support shared projects through aligned funding or pool funding.
Aligned Funds
This is when members have identified a shared project to support and will each release funding to support.
Pooled Funds
This is when members have identified an initiative to support through passthrough funding or regranting.