Mission:
To support, connect, and expand geographic associations of grantmakers to strengthen and increase philanthropy.

Background:
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers is a network of thirty-two regional associations of grantmakers that organizes its activities and applies its resources according to six priorities: strengthening effective and efficient geographic associations and providing support and services to them; leveraging the assets of its network; promoting greater participation in geographic associations; sharing knowledge and informed practice; communicating clearly philanthropy's impact and interests; and developing partnerships based on beneficial exchange. Though not incorporated until 1998, the idea of the forum dates back to the late 1940s, when the Council on Foundations was established in New York City. In 1990, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded a study of how to increase the organizational capacity of regional associations and how develop needed services materials for them. From that beginning, a specific multiyear collaboration between the council and the RAGs emerged.

Outstanding Web Features:
The forum's recently updated site includes an area called Knowledge Centers that provides a growing body of resources designed to describe, support, and increase giving by foundations, individuals, and corporations. To date, it includes a "center" devoted to information on giving circles and a second that focuses on racial, ethnic, and tribal philanthropy. The former provides information on how to start and manage a giving circle, as well as how to connect with other circles. Similar information is provided in the Racial, Ethnic, and Tribal Philanthropy Knowledge Center, which also includes information about the challenges of understanding different communities and ideas and lessons on how donor education can be successfully structured for racially and ethnically diverse groups.