There truly is nothing mysterious or glamorous about convening: It simply means gathering a group of people around a clear, common purpose. Yet, many consider this straightforward tool to be a funder’s most underrated one. Some Exponent Philanthropy members doubt they have the expertise. However, with the freedom and flexibility to make things happen fast, small-staffed funders... 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
Started in 1994 by Catherine Muther, a former Cisco Systems executive, Three Guineas Fund “promotes social justice by expanding access to economic opportunity for women and girls.” One would think that a mission so considerable requires a large staff and endowment, but Three Guineas Fund, with assets less than $6 million and only one full-time... Read More
Without open, honest conversations, funders can’t learn what nonprofits really need to deliver outcomes desired by funders, grantees, and, most of all, people and communities in need. One of the biggest barriers to getting the complete story is the lack of trust between funders and grantees. Another task is creating the conditions necessary to listen... Read More
“Tackling the world’s most vexing social problems is a challenge for even the biggest foundations,” writes Exponent Philanthropy member Emily Tow Jackson in the Chronicle of Philanthropy (March 24, 2013). “Nonetheless, it is possible for small foundations to bring about large-scale social change.” Small-staffed philanthropists are perfectly positioned to be change makers. What does this... Read More
In Exponent Philanthropy’s work helping small-staffed foundations and donors step into leadership roles, we have learned that the most dynamic, effective funders use their power judiciously—but boldly. In a paradoxical way, the source of their power is passion, curiosity, and humility. They are great listeners. They don’t begin by thinking they know the answers; they... Read More