Q&A's Archive - Page 3 of 47 - Exponent Philanthropy

Q&A Archive

How does the 2025 conference support funders navigating today’s economic, political, and social uncertainty?

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From inflation and market volatility to shifting laws and public policies, lean funders are facing a complex and fast-changing environment. The 2025 Annual Conference offers sessions that address these realities head-on with practical strategies for sustaining payout rates, managing risk, and responding to legal and social change while staying grounded in your mission. Highlighted sessions... Read More

How is equity being addressed in this year’s conference sessions?

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Equity is woven throughout the 2025 Annual Conference. You’ll find sessions on shifting power to communities, funding organizations led by and serving people of color, supporting rural equity, and making grantmaking more inclusive and accessible. Highlighted sessions include: Communities of Color Index: Measuring Impact and Advancing Equity Putting People First: Transparent, Equitable, and Relational Grantmaking... Read More

What sessions at the 2025 conference explore board leadership and governance?

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Strong governance is essential for impactful philanthropy, especially for lean foundations where board members often wear many hats. Several sessions at the 2025 Annual Conference offer tools and strategies to strengthen board leadership, clarify roles, and increase engagement. Whether you’re new to board service or looking to shift from oversight to strategy, there’s something for... Read More

Why Create a Disaster and Emergency Response Policy?

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When disaster strikes, board members often want to act quickly to support affected communities. A disaster response policy helps your foundation respond effectively—while staying aligned with its mission and capacity. The most useful policies are flexible and can be adapted to each unique situation. Key Elements to Consider in Your Policy Mission Alignment Will your... Read More

What counts as a foundation asset under IRS rules?

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The IRS doesn’t list out every possible foundation asset, but broadly defines them as anything the foundation owns, controls, or receives for its benefit. Common examples include: Cash & cash equivalents – checking, savings, money-market funds Investments – stocks, bonds, mutual funds, private equity, program-related loans Real & tangible property – buildings, land, vehicles, office... Read More

How should a private foundation respond to event sponsorship or fundraiser ticket requests in 2025?

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Start with the self-dealing rules. When a private foundation pays for a sponsorship or receives complimentary tickets, those tickets become foundation assets. If a board member, officer, substantial donor, or family member (all “disqualified persons”) uses them for food, entertainment, or marketing perks, the IRS may treat it as self-dealing and impose excise taxes. 3... Read More