Comparing Network Types


Understanding how different kinds of networks operate is a helpful way to determine whether a vendor’s approach is the right fit for your organization. Below are the key features of each type of network.

Open Network

  • Everyone has access to all available nonprofits in the network.
  • Thousands of programs can be found in a region.
  • No programs are hidden from someone in need.

Focused Network

  • Customers can create their own focused network with selected programs — including their internal programs — within our system.
  • Customers can feature, rank, and score programs, which provides staff with reliable information to help Seekers (people in search of services).

Closed Network

  • No ability for individuals to independently find services.
  • The vendor reduces access for Helpers in the community.
  • The vendor removes smaller, specialized services from the network.

Our Privacy Model


We don’t force CBOs, or Community-Based Organizations, to sign a contract. We place the responsibility on CBOs to create their own data-sharing rules. If a self-referral is made, only that person will be able to see the referral, besides the referred CBO. Seekers can update their sharing permissions at any time.

Click the button below to learn more about our approach to privacy.

Other Privacy Models


In a closed network, CBOs are forced to sign a contract. This medicalizes the referral process and overshares information to everyone in the system. An individual’s entire record is distributed to all entities associated with the customer or nonprofit organization, as well as current and future employees.

The nonprofits and Seekers we work with reject this approach because it benefits healthcare’s financial gain at the expense of Seeker privacy.

An Open and Focused Network

On findhelp, customers can create their own focused network with CBOs they select – without giving up the breadth of a broad safety net. This grows the network over time and benefits the whole community.

What does this approach mean for the Seeker?

Your users have the total universe of services available to them. Usually, they know what they need, so we provide Seekers the dignity and privacy of self-navigation. By combining an open and a focused network, we provide the best of both worlds for those receiving help.

Building Community Trust

Community engagement with nonprofits and building local community trust is essential.

Our customers work with our Community Engagement team in partnership to create what we call CBO partners. Combining these forces reflects the available services provided by other CBOs in the community.

We Protect the Seeker

We bridge CBOs and nonprofits across the community to help people searching for services, wherever they may go for help. This benefits everyone in the experience of providing and receiving help.

Want to learn more? Watch this video to hear from real Seekers in our network, or schedule a demo below to speak with someone from our team.

Aunt Bertha puts the seeker first