Engaging the next generation in philanthropy can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re thinking of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or younger staff and board members, many foundations struggle to find meaningful ways to bring them into the fold. “The most important thing is to treat young people as equals at the board table,” says... Read More
As we reach the halfway point of 2025, we’re reflecting on the momentum you’ve helped build across our network of lean funders. From sharing bold new strategies to navigating uncertainty together, the first half of the year has been marked by connection, learning, and collective action. In this update, we’re excited to share highlights from... Read More
When disasters strike, people often turn to large institutions for help. However, lean funders can also play a crucial role. With strong community ties and the flexibility to move quickly, they can help meet urgent needs that larger systems might miss or take longer to address. Some foundations respond right away with emergency support. Others... Read More
New legislative developments in Washington are adding fresh challenges for funders and foundations. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” recently passed the House and now heads to the Senate, where further debate is expected. Thanks to strong sector advocacy, harmful provisions, such as revoking nonprofit status and taxing nonprofit branding, were removed before the final... Read More
Family foundations are a cornerstone of philanthropy, channeling generational wealth into impactful grantmaking and community initiatives. These foundations are often guided by the values, traditions, and priorities of a donor family, resulting in distinct governance structures, staffing patterns, and grantmaking approaches. Whether entirely family-run or including nonfamily board members, family foundations play a vital role... 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