The purpose of the Encore Fellowships Network (EFN) is to encourage the widespread use of Encore Fellowships as a source of talent to apply to the task of solving social issues. The goal of the EFN is to create a network of effective Encore Fellowships programs. Encore Fellowships help people with significant skills and experience gained in their private-sector careers to transition to making high-impact contributions to social-purpose organizations.

We created the network to make it as easy as possible for organizations to start, sponsor and operate effective Encore Fellowships programs. We are committed to providing information, tools and connections that will make the design, launch and operation of an Encore Fellowships program as simple and efficient as it can be. Our web site (www.encore.org/fellowships) has a growing variety of resources and information. Its current and upcoming items include:

• An online Program Design Tool, with examples and options for defining, funding and operating an Encore Fellowships program
• A resource library with guides, forms, videos, links and other information
• A community site for collaboration and for finding partners, promoting a program and recruiting participants
• A tool kit to run an Encore Fellowships program
• Access to people and organizations that can provide consulting or administrative services related to Encore Fellowships programs

These online resources are free. Some functions require registration, which is free and easy, and some – primarily the applicant database and the program tool kit – are available only to approved core Encore Fellowships programs.