Are your foundation’s finances well-managed? As a lean funder, you know the importance of keeping things efficient and organized. Taking care of the finance function is no exception. Follow these four fundamentals to ensure your foundation’s finances are in great shape. 1. Keep a Finance Calendar At lean foundations, it’s common for one or two... Read More
The relationship between funders and grantees goes beyond the mere exchange of financial support. It’s about fostering mutual respect, trust, and collaboration to drive meaningful change. Yet, one aspect often overlooked is the profound impact that active championing can have on the work of grantee partners. Delving into insights gleaned from our Grantee and Applicant... Read More
While the U.S. Census happens only once per decade, New York State is already working to build the nonprofit infrastructure for a successful 2030 count. This effort is led by the New York State Census Equity Fund — a group formed in 2017 by a coalition of funders who came together to create a statewide,... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy is proud to release the latest edition of the Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR). This premier benchmarking resource offers mission-critical statistics on grantmaking, boards and governance, investments, and administration—including salary and benefits—for foundations with few or no staff. This blog has an interesting or important finding from each section of our 2024 report.... Read More
Philanthropy relies on the amassed wealth of families and institutions that have benefited from systemic racism. As a result, the institution has a power imbalance in where funds go and what organizations and initiatives receive support. Developing a deeper understanding of institutional racism in the United States can help lean funders dismantle the harmful practices... Read More
Policymakers are always at work, making it crucial for foundations to engage with them. By being present, foundations ensure that their concerns are heard. However, many foundations and trustees avoid meeting with elected officials, even though policymakers are eager to hear from them. This blog provides insights on how foundations can effectively participate in the... Read More