The second meeting of our ECFI Fund Development Learning Journey focused its attention on legacy funds - wills and bequests - and what community foundations can do to make them a strategic asset in their development. This report summarises the insights, lessons learned, and experiences emerged during the conversation.
James Magowan
Senior Advisor
ECFI
These working session notes explore how networks act as key infrastructure in strengthening community foundation ecosystems. Framed through the “5 Cs” — including an added catalytic role — networks provide platforms for exchange, build capacity and credibility, and connect actors across levels. They support the emergence and development of community foundations by offering technical assistance, mobilising resources, and shaping the field’s identity. The document highlights the importance of flexible, context-driven network forms and the need for sustainable support to maintain their long-term effectiveness.
