How much do lean foundations typically spend on administrative expenses? - Exponent Philanthropy

How much do lean foundations typically spend on administrative expenses?

On page 105, the 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report finds that median charitable operating expenses (excluding investment costs) accounted for 0.73% of total noncharitable-use assets. Foundations with paid staff had higher expenses (0.89%), while those without staff had significantly lower costs (0.36%).

→ Explore foundation operating expenses by asset size and staff on page 105. 

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