To make an outsized and lasting impact in their communities and issue areas, grantmakers must be intentional about equity and inclusion within their boards, governance, and funding efforts. The journey towards equitable grantmaking is not merely about ticking boxes; it’s a transformative process that demands introspection, learning, and action. While adopting equitable grantmaking practices serves […] The post Equitable Grantmaking: Essential, Fundamental Practices appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

In 2022, the United States experienced historically high inflation rates. This took a toll on communities, nonprofits, and foundations alike. Inflation significantly impacted funders and altered the ways they approached grantmaking, grantees, and staff compensation. Some foundations even considered modifying their investment strategies to keep pace with rampant inflation. We compiled this information in our […] The post How Lean Funders Responded to Recent Historic Inflation appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

It’s often said that family and money don’t mix well. However, I would challenge the notion—I literally wrote the book, A Passion for Giving, on the topic, providing practical guidelines to leverage family wealth for impactful philanthropy. Giving is not just good for the world, but also integral to nurturing healthy family dynamics—and may even […] The post Building Family Connection Through Values Alignment appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

This post originally appeared on the Foundation Source blog. Many private foundations fund specific organizations multiple times over several grantmaking cycles. Doing so can help continue a particular charitable program or project, or simply provide a subsequent round of general operating support. As organizations seeking continued support (“returning grantees”) are viewed in a different light than first-time […] The post Adapting Your Grant Approach Series: Tips for Funding Returning Grantees appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

According to Fidelity Charitable, a private family foundation is “a type of private foundation set up by a family, funded with the family’s assets and often run by family members who can also participate in its charitable grantmaking.” Our annual Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) gives insights into the grantmaking, operations, and management of […] The post Data on Family Foundations From the 2024 Foundation Operations and Management Report appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

Are your foundation’s finances well-managed? As a lean funder, you know the importance of keeping things efficient and organized. Taking care of the finance function is no exception. Follow these four fundamentals to ensure your foundation’s finances are in great shape. 1. Keep a Finance Calendar At lean foundations, it’s common for one or two […] The post 4 Finance Fundamentals for Your Foundation appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

The U.S. Census happens only once per decade, New York State is already working to build the nonprofit infrastructure for a successful 2030 count. This effort is led by the New York State Census Equity Fund — a group formed in 2017 by a coalition of funders who came together to create a statewide, grassroots […] The post The Case for Funding Collaboratives appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

Philanthropy relies on the amassed wealth of families and institutions that have benefited from systemic racism. As a result, the institution has a power imbalance in where funds go and what organizations and initiatives receive support. Developing a deeper understanding of institutional racism in the United States can help lean funders dismantle the harmful practices […] The post Moving Towards Racial Equity in Philanthropy: Developing a Shared Language appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

How can foundation leaders best advance their focus areas? By developing extensive knowledge and insight. Small-staffed foundations hold a wealth of diverse connections with people in their communities, and they can leverage these relationships to gain knowledge and expertise. Insight helps these leaders identify gaps and solutions and address key issues in the smartest ways. Connecting […] The post Connect More: How Lean Funders Develop Knowledge and Relationships to Catalyze Change on Priority Issues appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more

Since attending and presenting at Exponent Philanthropy’s 2023 Annual Conference in October, I’ve spent some time reflecting on how foundations and non-profits relate to one another and engage in social change. In particular, I’ve been thinking about the challenges grant-makers experience in understanding and demonstrating the ‘difference’ they make. In my own session and in […] The post The Foundation Data Dilemma: On Making and Measuring Change appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy ..read more