Q&A's Archive - Page 2 of 50 - Exponent Philanthropy

Q&A Archive

How do foundations handle board member removal?

Having a clear removal policy in place — before you need it — protects your foundation and sets expectations for everyone on the board. From attendance requirements to family governance situations, our sample Board Member Removal Policies give you a practical starting point for drafting language that works for your foundation. Read More

How can foundations center gender equity in their work?

In the 2024 Exponent Philanthropy blog “Integrating Feminism Into Philanthropy,” Nicole Baran, founding executive director and board member of the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, outlines practical ways funders can apply this approach, both within their organizations and through their grantmaking. Steps Toward Gender Equity Nicole’s blog highlights several practical insights for funders looking to... Read More

What are funders gaining from participating in the Intro to Catalytic Leadership Program?

Funders participate in Intro to CLIP to grow as catalytic leaders — building the mindset, skills, and practices needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. The program combines skills training, experiential learning, and peer coaching, helping lean funders move from intention to action. Here’s what alumni say they gained: “This program helped me as... Read More

Can you share benchmarking data on the average number of paid staff for lean foundations by asset size?

Yes. According to the 2026 Foundation Operations & Management Report, staff size increases steadily with asset size among foundations with few or no staff. Across all participating foundations, the average was 4 paid staff (median: 3). As expected, foundations with larger asset bases tend to employ more staff, though many remain relatively lean even at higher... Read More

Why are more funders turning to multiyear general operating support right now?

Many nonprofits are navigating an increasingly unpredictable environment marked by funding volatility, rising demand, and ongoing capacity challenges. Multiyear general operating support helps address these realities by combining long-term commitments with flexible funding. Together, this approach allows organizations to: Plan beyond a single year, supporting more thoughtful strategy and decision-making Invest in staff and core... Read More

How are funders and nonprofits beginning to use AI across grantmaking and operations?

Funders and nonprofits are starting to use AI across grantmaking and day-to-day operations to streamline work and free up staff time, while remaining mindful of risks related to accuracy, bias, and data privacy. Common uses include: Supporting the grants process: Nonprofits are using AI to draft and adapt grant proposals, proofread applications, and assess eligibility.... Read More