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 the past six months and a preview of what’s ahead, including new resources, upcoming events, and opportunities to engage with peers and amplify your impact. Thank you for being part of our community!
Meaningful Member Connections in 2025
So far in 2025, Exponent Philanthropy has continued to foster meaningful connections among our members, creating opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and shared problem-solving within the lean funder community.
Advocacy in Action: 2025 Highlights
As Congress advanced a sweeping tax bill, Exponent Philanthropy moved quickly to safeguard philanthropic giving and protect lean funders’ autonomy. Below are summaries of CEO Paul Daugherty’s key policy messages, with links to learn more:
- POLICY ALERT: Protecting Charitable Giving & Foundation Operations
Exponent Philanthropy issued an initial alert opposing a proposed increase to the private foundation excise tax, warning that it would reduce charitable dollars available to communities. - URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Defend and Advance Philanthropy’s Freedom
We sounded the alarm about the House bill that not only raised excise taxes (up to 10% for the largest foundations) but also included provisions that could allow nonprofit status to be revoked without due process. We provided talking points and called on members to take immediate action. - Latest Legislative Update: What’s Next for Nonprofits & Foundations in the Senate
After the House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we celebrated some key advocacy wins, such as the removal of the nonprofit status revocation clause, but continued to push back on provisions like higher excise taxes and new limits on corporate charitable deductions as the bill moved to the Senate. - What’s in the Tax Bill—and Why It Matters to You
Exponent Philanthropy joined the National Letter to Protect and Strengthen Nonprofit Organizations in the Tax Package, led by the National Council of Nonprofits, urging Congress to strike provisions that would reduce charitable giving, including expanded unrelated business income tax (UBIT) rules and limitations on donor incentives. - National Day of Action Announcement
Ahead of the Senate’s release of its version of the bill, we joined the National Day of Action on June 17, mobilizing members and partners nationwide to contact senators, advocate for the Charitable Act, and oppose harmful tax changes. Member participation was strong, and the collective outreach sent a clear message: lean funders are essential to thriving communities. - H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act Signed Into Law
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law. Thanks to your advocacy, the final legislation preserved key philanthropic priorities: no tiered excise tax, protections for nonprofit independence, and a permanent universal charitable deduction. At the same time, it included delayed but deep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, programs that millions rely on for food, health, and stability. These changes will have lasting impacts on vulnerable communities.
Key Programs and Resources for Informed Giving
The 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report – which has already been downloaded over 700 times – delivered a snapshot of how lean funders are operating today, highlighting trends in leadership, funding practices, equity, and impact. You can read about key insights from the 2025 FOMR or access the complete publication for free as part of your member benefits.
More than 80 funders participated in Foundations 101, a five-part virtual seminar series that walked participants through the essentials of running a foundation: from getting started and legal basics to governance, investing, and grantmaking. Designed for lean funders, the series provided practical tools and guidance to build strong, effective foundations. Recordings and materials will be available by the end of July.
At Foundations on the Hill 2025, nearly two dozen Exponent members joined a record number of philanthropic leaders in Washington, DC to advocate for the role of philanthropy in civil society. Prepared for their participation by last fall’s Annual Conference sessions and our first-ever Advocacy Intensive training series, members let us know the knowledge they gained through our programming gave them the confidence and skills to participate. Read CEO Paul D. Daugherty’s blog on why this work matters now more than ever.
Intro to Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy brought a diverse cohort of 15 lean funders together over 10 weeks to sharpen deep-listening and powerful-questioning skills, exchange real-world experiences, and workshop strategies that extend their influence beyond grantmaking. Participants left with stronger peer networks, greater confidence in advocacy and convening roles, and concrete action plans to advance equity and innovation in their communities.
Connecting Locally, Learning Together
In 2025, Exponent Philanthropy is partnering with members and regional organizations to host in-person Regional Gatherings, providing opportunities for lean funders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore local trends in a peer-led setting. So far this year, gatherings in Philadelphia, Boston, and Columbus have brought funders together for meaningful conversations and collaboration. We’d like to thank the valued partners who have helped make these events possible, including Glenmede, FEG, Florida Philanthropic Network, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, Philanthropy Massachusetts, and Philanthropy Ohio.
You can read key takeaways from these gatherings in CEO Paul Daugherty’s new series Philanthropy on the Front Stoop. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming gatherings in your region!
- July 17, 2025 – Denver Regional Gathering
- October 1, 2025 – Portland, OR Regional Gathering
Help Shape the Future of Our Membership Model
As part of our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, Exponent Philanthropy is exploring updates to our dues structure to better reflect the value of membership and ensure long-term sustainability. We’re inviting all members to weigh in through summer focus groups. Learn more and sign up to join the conversation »
Register for a Focus Group
- July 23 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern | Register here
- August 6 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern | Register here
Board Nominations Now Open
Exponent Philanthropy is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors, with up to four seats open for election in November 2025. Members can nominate themselves or a peer by August 4 to be considered for this year’s selection process. Learn more and submit a nomination »
Top Blogs this Year
From practical tips to timely insights, our popular blog has more than 1,700 subscribers and 28 posts so far this year. The posts below reflect what’s been top of mind for lean funders in 2025:
- Annual Board To-Dos: The Must-Have Checklist for Running a Foundation
- Philanthropy’s Responsibility Persists: Staying the Course Amid Change
- How to Simplify Grant Applications and Reports for Nonprofits
- Federal Funding Uncertainty: What It Means for Foundations and Their Grantees
- Family Foundation Trends from the 2025 Operations and Management Report
Stories from the Field: Lessons from Lean Funders
So far in 2025, The Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast has featured five episodes highlighting how lean funders are driving meaningful change:
- Supercharging Impact
Malcolm Macleod of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation shares how recruiting board members with lived experience has transformed the foundation’s work and deepened its connection to the communities it serves. - Catalyzing Generosity
Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation, discusses how the foundation models 100% giving and reimagines the role of corporate philanthropy. - Breaking Down Walls Between Foundation and Community
Funders from our Intro to Catalytic Leadership Program reflect on how deep listening and community engagement lead to more targeted, powerful philanthropy. - Entrepreneurial Philanthropy – Part 1
Kimberley Russo of the Fund for Greater Hartford describes how the foundation supported a new childcare business incubator to help address a critical shortage in Connecticut. - Entrepreneurial Philanthropy – Part 2
The conversation continues with a deeper look at how the foundation used its influence to convene partners, advocate for change, and create lasting impact for women and families.
Thank You for Your Support in 2025
Thank you for your continued support in 2025. Your contributions through corporate partnerships, donations, and membership have powered our work and strengthened the lean funder community. We look forward to building on this momentum together in the second half of the year.
What’s Still to Come
There’s plenty ahead in 2025! Applications are now open for our Next Gen Fellows Program, a six-month leadership journey, which will launch at our Annual Conference in November. Designed for emerging funders aged 18–35, the Next Gen program has been equipping new and incoming foundation staff and trustees with the skills, networks, and confidence to drive meaningful change for more than 15 years. Apply by August 1 to join this year’s cohort.
Also, this fall, join us in Columbus, Ohio, for our 2025 Annual Conference, happening November 11–13. Come early for the 990‑PF Pre‑Conference Tax Seminar, a focused, expert-led session that offers practical guidance on navigating private foundation tax filings. Whether you’re new to the 990‑PF or looking for a refresher, this seminar is a great way to start your conference experience.
From advocacy wins to peer connection and new resources, the first half of 2025 showed what’s possible when lean funders lead with intention. We’re excited to carry that momentum forward, with even more opportunities to grow, connect, and strengthen your impact in the months ahead.