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 empowers lean funders to work alongside communities in driving transformative change.
In these uncertain times, leadership is needed more than ever. But you don’t have to go it alone. To meet this moment with courage, care, and integrity, join this year’s Intro to Catalytic Leadership cohort. Build your capacity to act boldly—alongside peers who share your commitment to impact.
What Sets CLIP Funders Apart?
CLIP takes a different approach to philanthropy, prioritizing proactive learning, relationship-building, and long-term commitment over traditional grantmaking processes. With deep community ties, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and the flexibility to act quickly, lean funders are uniquely positioned to embrace CLIP and drive meaningful change.
- CLIP funders learn before they fund. Instead of relying solely on proposals and site visits, these funders proactively educate themselves before making grants.
- CLIP funders build relationships, not barriers. Rather than distancing themselves through complex application processes, these funders invite conversations, nurture relationships, and seek feedback from grantees and communities.
- CLIP funders give beyond dollars. These funders leverage their knowledge, connections, reputation, access, and influence—along with their funding—to tackle complex and sometimes controversial issues.
- CLIP funders commit for the long haul. While some funders work on short-term cycles, these funders invest in issues for years, sometimes decades, ensuring sustained impact.
By embracing CLIP, funders take a focused, strategic approach to philanthropy that extends beyond grantmaking to catalyze real change in the communities they serve.
Elements of Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy
CLIP is built on key practices and skills:
- Finding your focus—whether on one or two issues or a community
- Developing a common understanding of what you want to accomplish
- Getting out of the office—engaging with the community
- Listening deeply—learning from grantees, community members, and diverse experts
- Encouraging and leading convenings and collaborations
- Understanding the ecosystem of a chosen issue or community
- Identifying gaps, needs, and leverage points for initiating change
- Committing long-term to sustained impact
As CLIP funders integrate these elements, they begin to see opportunities for impact at a larger systems level. Actions that once felt risky—convening, collaboration, and advocacy—become natural steps in the pursuit of change. Over time, CLIP funders transition from grantmakers to catalytic leaders.
Becoming an Active Catalytic Leader
By embracing CLIP, funders can strengthen organizations, advance equity, and influence systems change. Here’s how:
Strengthening Organizations and Communities
- Provide flexible, long-term support for nonprofits.
- Build nonprofit capacity and leadership.
- Support community organizing.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion
- Fund small, dynamic grassroots organizations.
- Nurture and support leaders of color.
- Engage grantees and community members in decision-making.
Convening and Connecting
- Bring together nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, educators, and others to develop solutions.
- Mobilize diverse partners to coordinate efforts and build collective will.
- Serve as a connector, linking people and resources.
Nurturing Creativity and Innovation
- Spot patterns and connections to surface new ideas.
- Provide seed funding for promising initiatives and entrepreneurs.
- Develop talent, leadership, and human potential.
Influencing Policy and Building Civic Participation
- Speak out to focus attention on urgent issues.
- Fund and share research to drive policy change.
- Promote civic education, participation, and voter engagement.
- Elevate voices that are often unheard in policy discussions.
- Help reform outdated and ineffective systems.
Start Your CLIP Journey
CLIP empowers funders to learn, nurture relationships, and bring people together to drive meaningful change. Your journey can start today with a simple yet transformative act: listening. Wherever you are in your leadership path, Exponent Philanthropy is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready To Expand Your Impact Beyond Grantmaking?
Explore our Intro to Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy program. This 10-week, cohort-based course includes six virtual sessions designed to help lean funders develop leadership skills, build confidence, and engage deeply with communities. Through experiential learning and coaching, you’ll refine your ability to listen, ask powerful questions, and take meaningful action.
Join a network of peer funders and Catalytic Guides to uncover new insights and create lasting impact. The program runs March 26 – June 4, 2025, with virtual sessions from 2:00–4:00 PM ET. Learn more and apply today.
About the Author
Andy Carroll advises staff, trustees, and donors of leanly staffed foundations in leadership, advocacy, and catalytic philanthropy. He works to empower more small foundations to leverage their unique position and assets to catalyze change on important issues. Andy has an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School and 30 years of experience in management, training, and program development for nonprofit organizations. Join Andy as he spotlights CLIP funders and their stories on The Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast »