This paper critically examines education multistakeholderism in the context of the broader global education governance landscape. It will shed light on the role of philanthropic organisations and individuals within education Multistakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) that focus their work in fragile and conflict-affected states. Additionally, it explores the complex ‘spaghetti bowl’ scenario of education governance with the presence of multiple actors of various and mixed identities participating along with states in policy decision-making, often in an unbalanced way. The analysis focuses on the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait, exploring the intersections of their constituencies and the epistemic communities they represent. Furthermore, I will explore the establishment and growth of networks within these two MSIs, drawing on Social Network Analysis (SNA). MSIs, being hubs that bring together diverse organisations, individuals and networks, provide an interesting case for employing SNA. The paper underscores the concept of ‘new philanthropy’ and emphasises the need for a conceptual discussion on multistakeholderism and multilateral governance within Fragile and Conflict-Affected States, coupled with the emergent trend of ‘pipeline philanthropy’. Findings show that individuals independently integrate into MSIs, influencing global education policymaking and funding priorities without adhering to democratic representation principles. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the financial support these MSI receive from philanthropic organisations is more driven by discourse and beliefs than other influencing factors.