If we’re not actively pursuing real impact with everything we’ve got, we’re simply processing paper and redistributing assets. Why settle for that when we can see and participate in real change? —Emily Hull-Parsons, The William McCaskey Chapman & Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation I bet you’re convinced that your foundation can accomplish more with its giving,... Read More
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... Read More
Imagine a foundation with $10 million in assets. To meet the 5% distribution requirement, it must allocate $500,000 each year. While foundations take great care in managing their grant distributions, what happens to the remaining $9.5 million? This section will help you understand how foundations manage investments, including who oversees the money and key fiduciary... Read More
Recent executive orders and policy shifts have created uncertainty across the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations grappling with potential funding cuts and operational disruptions. While some orders have been rescinded, new challenges and changes will continue to emerge in the weeks and months ahead. In times like these, philanthropy plays a critical role in providing... Read More
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
Joe Wilson, founder of the Xerox Corporation, and his wife, Peggy, formed the Wilson Foundation in 1963. A few years ago, we engaged in strategic planning to revisit our giving priorities. At the time, our board had 24 members that spanned three generations, and were spread across the country. In order to achieve our impact... Read More