Blog Archives - Exponent Philanthropy

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Multiyear Funding and General Operating Support: Why They’re Stronger Together

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As foundations look for ways to strengthen impact while streamlining processes, multiyear funding and general operating support are gaining momentum as more flexible, relationship-centered alternatives to short-term, project-restricted grants. Exponent Philanthropy’s new primer, The Hows & Whys of Multiyear General Operating Support, explores how multiyear funding and general operating support work best when combined. It... Read More

AI in Action: Practical Tools and Guardrails for Smarter, More Equitable Giving

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Artificial intelligence is already part of many foundations’ daily work. From drafting emails to summarizing documents, funders are experimenting with AI tools to save time and reduce administrative burden. As adoption grows, so do essential questions: How can we use AI responsibly? What are the implications for data privacy and bias? And how can funders... Read More

What Recent Executive Orders Mean for Foundation Giving and Governance

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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

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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

Six Excise Taxes Every Private Foundation Needs to Know 

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Navigating IRS rules can feel overwhelming, but understanding the excise taxes that apply to private foundations is essential for staying compliant and protecting your charitable resources. These taxes exist to prevent misuse of assets, ensure funds serve the public good, and discourage activities that could compromise your mission. Whether you’re new to foundation management or... Read More

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

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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