As a donor, you not only have the power to identify effective nonprofits but to build and strengthen the ones most aligned with your goals. Excellent nonprofits are often made, not found. Identifying the impact you want to make will help you narrow the field of potential grantees to those that fit your values, goals,... Read More
It is possible to impact complex and challenging social issues, even with limited time, energy, and resources. The following factors are key to achieving significant impact: Impact takes passion—Many barriers impede impact, but you can overcome them if your heart is engaged. People who care deeply about a cause will press on when challenges seem... Read More
Consultants can be found to help foundations with every aspect of foundation management, including legal counsel, fiscal oversight, grantmaking support, board development assistance, strategic planning facilitation, program evaluation, and even complete foundation management. When it comes to types of consultants, the variety is equally broad. From independent consultants to small consulting companies, to asset management... Read More
In recent years, with support from Exponent Philanthropy, 70 thoughtful, committed member volunteers have explored the path to impact in small-staffed philanthropy and contributed to publications, seminars, and other resources to make achieving impact more accessible to fellow funders. We’re grateful for their ongoing efforts and delighted to share some of the group’s insights here.... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy member Fran Sykes and fellow trustees of The Pascale Sykes Foundation use a mix of state data on school achievement and information from other government agencies to set the foundation’s funding priorities. She points out that others can use similar information too: “Every state has KIDS COUNT. Every state has stats from its... Read More
Private foundations are increasingly considering ways to advance gender issues and equality beyond grantmaking. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population, yet gender inequality persists globally. Gender lens investing, an investment strategy that overlays rigorous financial analysis with gender diverse characteristics, is becoming recognized as one of the most exciting areas of impact... Read More