Blog Archives - Exponent Philanthropy

Blog

Results for:  Topic: “Blog”  

Federal Funding Uncertainty: What It Means for Foundations and Their Grantees

    /   ,

Federal funding is a critical lifeline for many nonprofits, including those supported by Exponent Philanthropy members. When disruptions arise—whether from policy shifts, executive orders, or legal challenges—nonprofits may encounter delayed payments, uncertainty about future grants, and cash flow challenges that threaten their programs and operations. For leanly staffed foundations, staying informed isn’t just about awareness—it’s... Read More

Lean Funders Making a Difference: Real Stories, Real Impact

   /  

Philanthropy has the power to drive systemic change, but what does it take to move beyond traditional grantmaking? The Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast features funders who are challenging the status quo—leading with trust, taking strategic risks, and building deep community relationships. In our refreshed Foundation Guidebook, we highlight key podcast episodes that showcase how funders are making... Read More

Philanthropy’s Advocacy is Needed Now More Than Ever

   /   , ,

Last week, I attended Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) in Washington, DC, with three Exponent Philanthropy colleagues to discuss how federal policy changes impact our communities and nonprofit partners.  The 22nd FOTH brought together a record number of donors, foundation leaders, and nonprofit staff to be briefed on legislative actions and provided guidance advocacy in... Read More

A Call for Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy

   /  

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

Lessons in Board Recruitment from Malcolm MacLeod 

   /   ,

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

Key Insights from the 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report

    /  

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