“Too often as funders, we force our grantees to embark on new projects because that’s what we’re willing to fund,” says Exponent Philanthropy member Judy Peckham of the Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation in Binghamton, NY. “Yet, organizations with good core programs often desperately need funds for administrative costs to keep those programs strong. If... Read More
The legal and practical aspects of international grantmaking may seem burdensome. Yet, small foundations can and do make grants to foreign organizations in legal and trusted ways. Let’s correct seven misconceptions and provide examples of how Exponent Philanthropy members fund effectively around the world. Myth 1: Because our bylaws limit our giving to U.S.-based 501(c)(3)... Read More
Whether joining together to voice your support for a cause or to make grants as a pooled fund, funding partnerships have many benefits: They allow you to work on a larger scale—either in dollars, visibility, or other resources—to risk-share, and to leverage your dollars. Funding partnerships also make for deepened relationships with other funders, which,... Read More
Foundations can no longer rely on fixed income investments to generate strong returns with low risk. As returns on fixed income have declined, many foundations have taken on more risk (via equity investments) to fill the earnings gap. What if there is a way for your foundation to generate investment income without changing your risk... Read More
Self-dealing is prohibited; conflicts of interest can be managed. But the intricacies of the two can be confusing. In this webinar, led by attorney Darren B. Moore of Bourland Wall & Wenzel, find clear, easy-to-follow steps to help you recognize each, avoid self-dealing, and manage conflicts of interest. Learn the laws, discuss common situations and... Read More
Next generation philanthropy. No matter how you define the next generation, many foundations struggle to engage this subset into their philanthropy. “The most important thing is to treat young people as equals at the board table,” says Susan Price from the National Center for Family Philanthropy. “They don’t know everything the older generation knows, but... Read More