The Foundation Operations and Management Report—the only resource of its kind for foundations operating with few or no staff—offers key industry benchmarks and long-term data on the evolution of lean foundations. Based on our annual survey of members, this report has insights into the grantmaking, operations, and management of foundations with few or no staff.... Read More
Essentials is a carefully curated periodical that features top content from our blog, resources, and publications. Find advice and inspiration on a single theme written by fellow members, trusted colleagues, and our expert staff. This exclusive member benefit can help focus your giving and spark conversations with other lean funders. In this issue: Expectations of... Read More
Join Exponent Philanthropy for a 30-minute webinar to discuss our newest primer, Embracing Strategic Planning in Lean Philanthropy. Learn why funders engage in strategic planning, how you can develop a strategic plan of your own, and the lessons lean funders have learned from developing and implementing their own strategic plans. Read More
Some of the most effective foundations involved in policy and advocacy in the United States are lean, place-based foundations. They achieve significant impact and maximize their investment by intensely focusing on their chosen issues, gaining deep insights, leveraging their reputation and relationships, and persistently pursuing their goals. Why We Designed This Guide We created this... Read More
This primer introduces you to the wide world of foundation strategic planning. No two strategic plans are alike, and the process for developing and implementing strategic plans can be just as different. In this primer, you’ll discover why funders engage in strategic planning, get an overview of the strategic planning process, and hear what other... Read More
How Small and Place-Based Foundations and Donors Can Make Big Change With Little Money Funders with few or no staff are perfectly positioned to fund and engage in advocacy. Smaller funders have deep ties to their communities, can act quickly to respond to emerging opportunities, and can focus in a laser-like way. Donors and trustees... Read More