It’s time to recapture what is powerful about giving. Philanthropy is more than just transferring money. It’s about using passion, knowledge, connections, dollars, and your voice to make change on important issues. Research by Exponent Philanthropy reveals two qualities that put funders on the road to change making: passion for an issue and a curiosity... Read More
Three funders became activists, brokers, advocates, and catalysts for change. These are their stories. The 1772 Foundation: Creating a revolution by practicing historic preservation The 1772 Foundation in Rhode Island became an expert in its national funding focus: historic preservation. By developing deep knowledge and insight, and paying careful attention to new ideas, it nurtured... Read More
Our country’s philanthropists have unique qualities and assets that create the power to catalyze change, including financial and human resources, the freedom to take risks and take the long view, and a broad perspective on communities and issues that no one else in our society has. Can more philanthropists embrace their power to provide the... Read More
People who become leaders aren’t satisfied with the current state of things. They feel a sense of urgency—a desire and impatience for change. They ask endless questions, identify important gaps, and use their positions and perspective to become experts. Along the way, they engage people in diverse walks of life and listen carefully to what... Read More
To create change, you first have to “create an open will to change,” says Kelly Medinger of The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation in Baltimore, MD—a will that is built on at least three elements: Trust—One study suggests that emotional involvement is the strongest predictor of one’s commitment to change. Emotional involvement, in... Read More
In philanthropy, going public refers to intentionally engaging publicly with the communities, causes, and conversations that matter to you and your mission. Some philanthropists decide to operate in the public realm early on. Many others, though, go public at some point over time, often when they feel compelled to act. However it emerges, going public... Read More