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Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy
Philanthropy has always excelled when it listens, learns, and evolves to meet the needs of the communities it serves. In recent years, lean funders have increasingly recognized that racial equity is not an optional add-on to their work; it is central to their mission regardless of the focus area. Our 2025 publication, “Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy,” delves into how foundations are incorporating racial equity into their work to drive better decisions, achieve more equitable outcomes, and amplify their philanthropic impact.
Engaging in racial equity work in 2025 is more complicated—and more urgent—than ever. In a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape, guidance that seems sound one day may be contested or outdated the next. Lean funders across the country are grappling with how to stay true to their values while navigating growing external scrutiny and pressure. Grounded in both quantitative data and lived experiences to help lean funders navigate this complexity in real time, this publication is a snapshot of where lean foundations stand today.
What’s Inside:
- A Deep Dive into the current landscape of lean foundation leadership and how it correlates with a foundation’s views on racial equity.
- Grantmaking and Nongrant Strategies that lean funders use to support their racial equity work.
- Examples and Insights from lean funders across the country
Exponent Philanthropy’s Commitment
As an organization focused on a vision of “transformed communities through informed giving,” equity means that it requires funders and donors to be fair and impartial in their approach so that their giving positively impacts all members of the communities they serve. To ensure we define our narrative and approach to equity, Exponent Philanthropy’s commitment is to support our membership community in listening, learning, and ensuring that resources reach all people in a community so that everyone thrives. By centering equity, we create lasting, positive transformation.
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Download “Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy” to explore in-depth insights, strategies, and models that can help your foundation enhance its commitment to racial equity.
Get Your Free Copy Now!Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
LEAN FOUNDATION BOARD AND STAFF DEMOGRAPHICS
RACIAL EQUITY PRACTICES
GRANTMAKING AND NONGRANTMAKING STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT RACIAL EQUITY
STAFFING AND GOVERNANCE PRACTICES ALIGNED WITH RACIAL EQUITY
CONCLUSION: STAYING THE COURSE IN RACIAL EQUITY WORK
APPENDIX A: MEMBER AND PARTNER STORIES AND RESOURCES
- Exponent Philanthropy Blog Posts
- Additional Exponent Philanthropy Publications
- Additional Resources
- Leaders in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Effort
APPENDIX B: EXPONENT PHILANTHROPY’S RACIAL EQUITY JOURNEY TO DATE
APPENDIX C: SURVEY RESPONDENTS AND METHODOLOGY
- Who Responded
- Survey Methods and Limitations
- Qualitative Information
30 pages