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Holding Fast in Uncertain Times
Over the past 2 years, the nonprofit sector has been under immense pressure. Nonprofits have been forced to navigate federal funding freezes and cuts, executive orders attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), accusations of domestic terrorism directed at nonprofits, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surges and National Guard deployments. Amid these challenges and more, nonprofits are reporting more difficulty obtaining foundation funding. Lean funders and Exponent Philanthropy members are seeing the impact of these changes firsthand.
At Exponent Philanthropy, we believe that lean funders—rooted in every type of community, guided by relationships and data, and driven by values—have an outsized role to play in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and just society. Philanthropy that centers the voices of those closest to the need is more equitable, and the more equitable our approaches, the more effective and resilient our outcomes and communities.
This 2026 edition of Racial Equity in Lean Foundations is built for this moment. It draws on survey data and interviews to offer not just a portrait of where lean funders stand but practical guidance for moving forward. You will find insights on foundation demographics, equity-centered practices, and the grantmaking and governance strategies that lean funders are using to advance freedom and opportunity in real and lasting ways. You will hear directly from many foundations doing this work, including their challenges, adaptations, and commitment.
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.
- Governance, Administrative, and Investment Practices that lean funders are using to align their work with their equity values.
- Examples, Insights, and Case Studies 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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WELCOME LETTER
INTRODUCTION
LEAN FOUNDATION BOARD AND STAFF DEMOGRAPHICS
RACIAL EQUITY PRACTICES
GRANTMAKING AND NONGRANTMAKING STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT RACIAL EQUITY
GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES ALIGNED WITH EQUITY
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX A: MEMBER AND PARTNER STORIES AND RESOURCES
APPENDIX B: EXPONENT PHILANTHROPY’S RACIAL EQUITY JOURNEY TO DATE
APPENDIX C: SURVEY RESPONDENTS AND METHODOLOGY