One powerful way to regain focus in uncertain times is to support those doing work you know is important and relevant. To riff on Mr. Rogers’ famous advice: Don’t just look for the helpers; look for the helpers and help them.
As funders, we support organizations advancing change and addressing urgent needs. One of the most effective tools we have is social capital, the relationships, networks, and trust that help organizations thrive. We must be intentional about building connections and creating opportunities for grantees to grow, collaborate, and succeed.
Bonding vs. Bridging Capital
Two kinds of social capital, bonding and bridging, shape how we support and grow networks:
- Bonding Capital refers to close relationships with people who are like us: family, friends, or those in similar social or cultural circles. These connections feel safe, offering emotional support and a sense of belonging. But they can also be limiting, keeping us in our bubble and cutting off access to new ideas and opportunities.
- Bridging Capital, on the other hand, involves reaching beyond our usual circles, connecting with people from different backgrounds and experiences. These broader connections are powerful. While they may feel uncomfortable at first, they’re essential for helping organizations grow, innovate, and reach new communities.
As funders, we have a unique opportunity not just to provide money but to help grantees build the relationships and networks they need to succeed.
The Power Imbalance: Bridging the Gap
There’s a clear power imbalance in philanthropy. Funders hold financial and social capital. Many grantees, especially new or under-resourced organizations, lack access to the networks that fuel long-term success.
This is where funders can lead. Especially in politically volatile times, some organizations are fighting not just for funding, but for survival. Bridging capital can help them build connections, find allies, and sustain their work. It’s about going beyond dollars to provide access to the people and partnerships that make resilience possible.
Bridging Capital in Action
So how can funders put bridging capital into practice? Here are a few ways:
- Make introductions: Connect grantees to other funders, mentors, or collaborators. These connections often unlock new opportunities.
- Facilitate mentorship: Pair early-stage organizations with experienced leaders who can offer strategic advice and help navigate growth.
- Amplify their work (with permission): Use your platform to spotlight grantees’ work. Visibility leads to new support and broader impact.
At Greater Sum, for example, we connect alumni with new partners and funders. These relationships help organizations expand their reach and build lasting momentum.
Creating Security for Grantees
Beyond introductions and exposure, funders can offer something else grantees desperately need: stability. Financial support matters, but so do trust and a sense of safety.
Here’s how to support that:
- Create safe spaces: Make room for honest conversations where grantees can share challenges without fear.
- Advocate for grantees: Use your voice and network to elevate and defend the work of your grantees.
- Invest in long-term partnerships: Trust-based relationships help organizations stay focused on their mission, not just their next grant cycle.
Why Now?
The need for bridging capital has never been greater.
Maria Droujkova, founder of the National Math Alliance and a Greater Sum alumna, said it best:
“When we are working with somebody and call them ‘them,’ it’s different from working for a group or community we would call ‘us.’ In times like these, it becomes crucial to become ‘us’ with people we are helping.”
Many organizations, especially those working on issues like racial justice, immigration, and gender equality, face not only financial obstacles but also real threats to their survival. As funders, we must actively look for opportunities to build bridges, spotlighting our own connections with grantees, and connecting our grantees with new networks, resources, and supporters.
By focusing on bridging capital, we don’t just help individual organizations. We protect their mission and advance our shared goals. We create stronger, more resilient networks that allow the organizations we support to grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact. This is our responsibility as funders: to connect people, open doors, and ensure those doing important work in challenging times have the support they need to succeed.
About the Author
Anna Taylor is the executive director of The Greater Sum Foundation in Jacksonville, Florida.
Have You Registered for Our 2025 Annual Conference?
The only conference designed for and by lean funders.
November 11-13, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio. Learn more »