About Us

History

The Growth Philanthropy Network (GPN) began with a question: why do successful social programs rarely spread beyond their originating cities to other communities that need them? The failure of top-performing programs to grow nationally represents a huge missed opportunity to effect positive social change on a large scale.

Beginning in March 2003, GPN sought to answer this question by conducting research and speaking with more than 350 experts and leaders in more than a dozen cities. GPN found near unanimous agreement on the need for a national marketplace to promote second-stage growth of nonprofits. GPN also uncovered a growing number of high-net-worth individuals interested in becoming involved in high-impact philanthropy. Based on its research and interviews, GPN constructed its marketplace model that provides the missing capital, expertise and local resources essential for sustainable social program expansions.

GPN's opinion-leader outreach was facilitated by the Carnegie Corporation. GPN’s network development funding has been provided by the: Annenberg Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Mayer-Phillips Family Foundation, and incubation services were provided by Public/Private Ventures.