When the David and Lucile Packard Foundation awarded a grant to implement and strengthen nonprofit networks, it was part of a larger philanthropic inquiry: Could knowing how networks connect, share, and mobilization teach foundations how to be more effective sponsors of community change? How might the impacts of social networks transform grantmaking and program development? Evaluators investigated three newly-formed nonprofit networks using two comprehensive evaluation plans – one to test the effectiveness of introducing networking to diverse community groups, and another to test the transforming impact of these networks on grantmaking decisions. Network members were surveyed in five categories of network function: affinity to network concepts; learning/contributing; network cohesion; increased effectiveness; and network technology. These categories directly corresponded to answers the foundation sought. Network maps were used to illustrate possible collaborations and other next steps to gain focus on synergistic activities. #SocialNetworkAnalysis #Non-ProfitsandFoundationsEvaluation #mapping #Network #2010Conference