“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
What are we trying to achieve with our grants? You can answer this question in many ways, and one way to start is with how and what you fund. These components shape your philanthropic orientation, the unique way that your foundation approaches the funding process. The how of your giving hinges on how you choose... Read More
From tough economic times come smart strategies like the following that are worth keeping in mind in good times as well as bad. Revisit your goals As foundation leaders face tough decisions, many are stepping back to reconsider their guiding principles, including mission, vision, and values—a good practice from time to time in any grantmaking... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy Senior Program Manager Sara Beggs spoke recently with two Exponent Philanthropy members with experience in collaborative models: Emily Tow Jackson of the Tow Foundation and Liz Sak of the Cricket Island Foundation. Tow Jackson has an extensive history with cross-sector collaboration to change the juvenile justice systems in Connecticut and New York. Sak... Read More
Leadership can be defined in hundreds of ways. Its definition varies from field to field, deriving its essence from the particular goals, activities, and cultures of different professions or industries. For this reason, we can’t start with an off-the-shelf definition of leadership. Instead, by taking time to explore leadership by small foundations and describe what... Read More
An increasing number of grantmakers and nonprofits alike understand that large-scale impact requires working in nontraditional ways with numerous partners. This approach recognizes the interdependence of the people and organizations working on social change through a network, people, groups, or organizations connected by relationships and aligned values. Networks vary in form: They can be both... Read More