Complimentary for Exponent Philanthropy members / $75 non-members
The political and legal landscape has shifted significantly over the past two years — but lean foundations committed to racial equity are largely holding fast. How are funders maintaining their commitments in the face of growing external pressure? What strategies are working? And what does the data tell us about where our sector stands?
Join Exponent Philanthropy for an overview of key findings from the 2026 Racial Equity in Lean Foundations report, followed by a member panel discussion. You’ll hear from lean funders who are navigating this moment in practical terms — from aligning investments with mission to listening more deeply to the communities they serve.
Whether you’re just beginning to integrate racial equity into your foundation’s work or looking for ways to deepen your practice in a shifting environment, you’ll leave with data, strategies, and peer perspectives you can put to work.
A recording of this program will be available to those who register.
Speakers
Alece Montez
Co-Executive Director, AJL Foundation (Colorado)
Alece is Co-Executive Director at AJL Foundation, a private foundation that invests in people, programs and movements that benefit Colorado’s youth and families. Alece is hardwired to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future for everyone, especially communities that have been ignored or silenced. Alece serves on the Board for FaithBridge.
Tomás Alvarez III
Trustee, Grunin Foundation; Founder, Future Funders Initiative (New Jersey)
For more than 20 years, Tomás Alvarez III has advanced equity and justice through social work, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropic innovation. An award-winning social entrepreneur and philanthropy advisor, he has shown how lean, creative approaches can address overlooked needs, elevate proximate leaders, and transform systems from within.
Aislinn Betancourt
Associate Director, Equity, People, Inclusion & Culture (EPIC), Exponent Philanthropy
Aislinn Betancourt is a strategist, service designer, and researcher with over a decade of experience helping organizations align their work with their commitments to equity and justice. As Associate Director of EPIC at Exponent Philanthropy, she leads our efforts to embed racial equity and disability inclusion across our culture, policies, publications, and programs.
Who Should Attend
This program is open to foundation donors, trustees, and staff; individual donors; donor-advised fund holders; and members of giving circles.
Registration and Other Policies
Please register by clicking this link [link], even for complimentary programs. Prior to the webinar, you will receive your unique webinar access information. By registering for this program, participants are agreeing to Exponent Philanthropy’s Participant Guidelines. Please contact us by email or at 202-580-6560 if you have any questions.
Members can access past webinars in our webinar archive
Platform and Accessibility
This program uses Zoom; automated closed captioning is available. We can provide additional accommodations upon request (e.g. live captioner, ASL interpreter). Please contact info@exponentphilanthropy.org or call 202-580-6560 by September 9 if you need any accommodations.