A Community-Based Organization (CBO) Network is an organized coalition or alliance of local, non-profit, or grassroots groups working together to address shared community needs, enhance service delivery, and amplify their advocacy efforts. These networks allow individual CBOs to share resources, best practices, and knowledge, often bridging the gap between local communities and government. 
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Key Aspects of a CBO Network:
- Structure: Comprised of multiple CBOs, which are generally small, locally governed, and focused on specific geographic areas or shared interests like healthcare, education, or economic development.
- Purpose: They facilitate collective action, allowing smaller organizations to maximize their impact through collaboration.
- Function: They strengthen local voices in policy formation, provide a platform for sharing, and sometimes help bridge gaps between community needs and institutional support.
- Examples: Examples include the Kenya Coffee School Network, Barista Mtaani Network National Community-Based Organization Network (NCBON) and specialized local networks such as the Kamukunji Community Based Organisations Network (KCBO Net) in Kenya. University of Michigan School of Public Health +4
These networks enable members to share, learn, and collaborate, effectively acting as a “middle layer” that connects grassroots efforts with larger, systemic, or institutional actors.