To create change, you first have to “create an open will to change,” says Kelly Medinger of The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation in Baltimore, MD—a will that is built on at least three elements: Trust—One study suggests that emotional involvement is the strongest predictor of one’s commitment to change. Emotional involvement, in... Read More
People who become leaders aren’t satisfied with the current state of things. They feel a sense of urgency—a desire and impatience for change. They ask endless questions, identify important gaps, and use their positions and perspective to become experts. Along the way, they engage people in diverse walks of life and listen carefully to what... Read More
Our country’s philanthropists have unique qualities and assets that create the power to catalyze change, including financial and human resources, the freedom to take risks and take the long view, and a broad perspective on communities and issues that no one else in our society has. Can more philanthropists embrace their power to provide the... Read More
Three funders became activists, brokers, advocates, and catalysts for change. These are their stories. The 1772 Foundation: Creating a revolution by practicing historic preservation The 1772 Foundation in Rhode Island became an expert in its national funding focus: historic preservation. By developing deep knowledge and insight, and paying careful attention to new ideas, it nurtured... Read More
Kick off Exponent Philanthropy’s yearlong 20th anniversary celebration with a conversation about data and trends in small-staffed foundation giving. Senior Program Director Ruth Masterson will be joined by several Exponent Philanthropy members to reflect on what funders have come to see and do differently over the years—and what they haven’t, all grounded in data from... Read More
The “coach approach” is a skillset and mindset that can transform the key relationships in your philanthropic work. Using deep listening and powerful questions, the “coach approach” helps you gain awareness, discover new ways of thinking, and focus on creating collaborative solutions. During this webinar, you will learn the basics of the approach and hear... Read More