Brendan McCormick, Author at Exponent Philanthropy

Brendan McCormick Recent Posts

A farm for butterflies, pupae and cocoons are suspended. Concept transformation of Butterfly

Want To Move From Grantmaker to Changemaker? Consider the Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy Framework

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In today’s complex philanthropic landscape, traditional grantmaking often falls short of addressing deep-rooted societal challenges. Many funders devote most of their time to making grants rather than tackling the systems and structures that sustain these problems. What Is Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy? Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a values-driven approach that reimagines how lean... Read More

Building a Strong Board Pipeline: Insights and Strategies for Foundations

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A strong board is the cornerstone of a thriving foundation. But finding the right members isn’t easy. From identifying key skills to managing generational shifts, foundations face challenges in building a sustainable board pipeline. Some foundations have developed successful strategies. Others are struggling to find enough qualified candidates. Here’s what funders are doing to strengthen... Read More

How Lean Foundations Give Employees Health Insurance

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Health insurance is one of the most common benefits lean foundations offer their staff, alongside paid time off and retirement plans. According to the 2025 Foundation Operations and Management Report, 76% of foundations provide health insurance for full-time employees. One of the most frequently discussed topics in our Member Discussion Community is securing health insurance... Read More

Key Insights from the 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report

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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

Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Trends and Challenges From the 2024 Report

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Exponent Philanthropy has released the fourth edition of its Racial Equity in Lean Foundations report, the most comprehensive version to date. The publication is based on survey data from over 300 lean foundations and qualitative interviews with more than 25 foundations, consultants, and nonprofits, offering insights into how lean funders are advancing equity. For the... Read More

How Lean Funders Responded to Recent Historic Inflation

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In 2022, the United States experienced historically high inflation rates. This took a toll on communities, nonprofits, and foundations alike. Inflation significantly impacted funders and altered the ways they approached grantmaking, grantees, and staff compensation. Some foundations even considered modifying their investment strategies to keep pace with rampant inflation. We compiled this information in our... Read More