BECOME A MEMBER

Founded in 1995, Grantmakers for Education is philanthropy's knowledge source for achieving results in education. Our vantage point is unique: We represent a diverse and experienced cross-section of grantmakers working to change programs, systems and institutions from pre-kindergarten through higher education. By connecting effective education strategies with effective grantmaking strategies, we help GFE member foundations and donors leverage their investments to improve achievement and create opportunities for all students.

Membership in GFE provides meaningful opportunities for funders to:

• Increase knowledge
• Build networks
• Collaborate with other funders
   

Our Work—Your Benefits

GFE’s work, grounded in our eight principles for effective education grantmaking, is supported by membership contributions and grants. As a member of Grantmakers for Education, you benefit from:

• A nationwide network of more than 240 leading philanthropic organizations, with interests from early education through higher education. GFE provides opportunities for education funders from around the country to meet, learn from, and collaborate with others in the field through our diverse programs. And, 365 days a year, members can access the GFE member directory to connect with colleagues with specific interests, constraints, strategies, and regional focus.
• Voice-of-experience workshops and content-rich conferences on education grantmaking. GFE fills a niche for education funders by providing highly substantive meetings that draw on the lessons of experienced grantmakers and educators. Each fall, hundreds of grantmakers attend GFE's informative and highly-rated national conference. Several times a year, GFE presents workshops, teleconferences and web seminars on timely education topics.
• Unique, in-depth professional development. Every two years, in collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, GFE brings together education grantmaking leaders for a three-day learning institute for focused learning and reflection.
• Member-driven study groups and briefings. GFE believes that an education grantmaker's greatest resource is the experience and insights of other funders. GFE supports opportunities for grantmakers to convene in small meetings and regional groups to learn together, share experiences, and explore opportunities for addressing common challenges.
• Funder networks. GFE commits resources and staff to encourage the creation of short-term and long-term communities of practice and funder networks that promote deep exploration of select issues of interest to members.
• Information and expertise. GFE's professional staff is available to provide context, contacts, and ideas about education, and to assist members in tapping GFE's membership regarding grantmaking strategies, technical assistance, and evaluation.
• Updates and resources. GFE members stay current on trends and developments through News to Use, our monthly e-newsletter. GFE sponsors and disseminates case studies and research reports about effective education philanthropy. GFE also offers access to a member directory with contact and program information for every member, a resource directory, special reports on education philanthropy, and job listings posted by philanthropies and education organizations.

Membership Eligibility

We invite you to join our network, use our resources and participate with colleagues in making a difference in the education of America's young people.

Membership is open to the following types of grantmakers whose primary activity is philanthropic support to education. Member benefits extend to all trustees and non-development staff.

• Corporate foundations
• Corporations with giving programs
• Individual donors with significant grantmaking efforts
• Private independent foundations
• Private family foundations
• Private operating foundations
• Public foundations with a direct grant program of at least $60,000 per year, at least 50 percent of the operating budget in direct grants, and a competitive grant program funding multiple individuals or organizations
• Public agencies with competitive grantmaking programs

Associate membership is available to philanthropy affinity groups and regional associations of grantmakers. For more information, contact Barbara Dibs, GFE Member Services Manager: (503) 595-2100, or barbara@edfunders.org.
 

Member Policies

Members agree that the defining function of membership is to learn from and contribute to understanding how to make grantmaking increasingly effective. Accordingly, members agree not to engage in fundraising activities when meeting under the auspices of GFE. Organizations that have a dual grantmaking and grantseeking role agree that development staff will not participate in GFE activities or utilize the GFE member directory.
 

Membership Contribution Guidelines

Annual membership contributions follow the schedule below. Please select the contribution that best fits your organization's total grantmaking budget across all funding areas.