Philanthropy is constantly evolving. Pressing issues and major political, economic, and technological shifts push funders to reassess their approach. Some lean funders—those with few or no staff—stand out by centering their giving on authentic relationships with grantees and community members. Exponent Philanthropy calls this approach Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP), a mindset and practice that... Read More
At Exponent Philanthropy, we believe lean foundations can drive significant change through thoughtful strategies and meaningful community engagement. Malcolm MacLeod, board chair of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, recently shared how his foundation has embraced these practices to achieve transformative outcomes. He discusses this in depth on a recent episode of The Catalytic Podcast: Supercharging Impact:... Read More
Each year, Exponent Philanthropy surveys lean foundations from across the country to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy. The 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report (FOMR) provides essential benchmarking data on leadership, governance, grantmaking, and investments, helping funders make informed decisions to maximize their impact. This year’s findings highlight evolving leadership approaches, increased flexible... Read More
Filing Form 990-PF can feel like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re managing the filing process yourself or working with a professional, staying organized throughout the year will save time and reduce stress. This guide will walk you through how to categorize expenses, keep essential... Read More
Recent executive orders and policy shifts have created uncertainty across the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations grappling with potential funding cuts and operational disruptions. While some orders have been rescinded, new challenges and changes will continue to emerge in the weeks and months ahead. In times like these, philanthropy plays a critical role in providing... Read More
Public policy shapes the very issues funders care about—education, healthcare, economic development, and beyond. Yet many funders hesitate to engage, unsure of their role or the impact they can have. The truth? Policymakers see philanthropy as a valuable partner. Funders bring deep community knowledge, flexible resources, and innovative solutions that can inform better policies. Even... Read More