In April, Exponent Philanthropy fielded a survey to learn how our community is responding to COVID-19, and more than 900 lean funders responded. We’re still analyzing the data and further engaging respondents, but we want to share a high-level overview. Have lean funders changed their funding in response to COVID-19? In a word, yes. Nearly... Read More
No matter your political or philosophical orientation, nor how you voted in the election, we can likely agree on the continued polarization and erosion of civil discourse in our country. There are any number of factors exacerbating our inability to talk to one another in a civil way: political upheaval, increased racial tensions, the economic... Read More
As CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Anne Marie Dougherty’s approach to philanthropy is entrepreneurial, data-driven, and systems-oriented. Under Anne Marie’s leadership, the foundation is breaking out of the veteran philanthropy silo and embracing the business world. They’re helping partners understand their contributions as an investment in the well-being of veterans and their families, but... Read More
“When philanthropy partners, communities prosper.” This theme resounded throughout our 2023 Annual Conference, where members from all 50 states and every type of community gathered with 500+ peers in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to learn and make meaningful connections. Here are some highlights from the event: Creating Lasting Impact In our opening plenary, Wizipan Little Elk Garriott,... Read More
I recently returned to a favorite publication of mine—Small Can Be Effective by Paul Ylvisaker, published first in 1989. I remember thinking it was thoughtful and relevant years ago, and I was particularly taken this time by the discussion of the five roles of small foundations. One of the things that struck me was the... Read More
In America, we recognize that individuals working toward common purpose can accomplish great things. We celebrate well-functioning teams, especially in the realms of sports and business enterprise. In our communities, our states, and the nation as a whole, however, we are divided. We separate ourselves by class and race, and pledge ourselves to political ideologies,... Read More