Exponent Philanthropy, Author at Exponent Philanthropy - Page 2 of 14

Exponent Philanthropy Recent Posts

2025 Year in Review: Staying Grounded in a Year of Change

   /  

Celebrating 30 years of impact! What began as an idea in 1995 has evolved into the largest philanthropic network in the nation – more than 1,500 strong – that works together to address the hands-on challenges of lean funders.   As the Exponent Philanthropy team settles into 2026 – our 30th year advancing meaningful philanthropy – we are filled with gratitude for our community and all that we accomplished together last year. During a year shaped by political,... Read More

What Recent Executive Orders Mean for Foundation Giving and Governance

   /  

On September 25, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order addressing domestic terrorism and organized political violence. On December 4, 2025, the Attorney General issued a memorandum that “reshapes how domestic terrorism will be defined, investigated, charged, and resourced across the federal government.” Taken together, these developments prompted many funders to consider their possible... Read More

Community, Courage, and Connection: Highlights From the 2025 Conference

   /  

In a year defined by political polarization, rising community needs, and shifting expectations across the philanthropic sector, 2025 challenged funders to reconsider how they show up and where they can make the greatest difference. Nonprofits faced mounting pressures, from constrained budgets to expanding service demands, requiring deeper partnerships, greater flexibility, and renewed trust. Against this... Read More

The Catalysts in Action: Connecting, Collaborating, Championing, and Advocating for Systemic Change

   /  

Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a mindset that helps lean funders move from grantmakers to changemakers. Grounded in humility, passion, curiosity, and patience, CLIP encourages funders to build deeper relationships, understand the systems they operate in, and leverage all their assets, not just grant dollars, to spark lasting change. In this final case study,... Read More

Catalytic Leadership Practices: A Case Study of Philanthropy’s Role in Policy Change

   /   ,

Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a mindset that transforms lean funders from grantmakers into changemakers. Its four core practices—leading with purpose, centering equity, engaging deeply in community, and making long-term, flexible commitments—help funders amplify their impact and drive systemic change. This case study highlights how Michael Weinberg, program director at the Thornburg Foundation, puts these... Read More

Passing the Baton: How One Foundation Is Expanding Equity Through Relay Grants

   /   ,

The Holloway Family Foundation’s Annual Relay Grant is a streamlined, trust-based approach to grantmaking that places funding decisions directly in the hands of women nonprofit leaders of color. In 2020, several reports highlighted persistent disparities in philanthropic giving to women and girls of color, as well as inequities faced by organizations led by people of color... Read More