“This has been the most pivotal grant to our organization since I got here. It has enabled us to be in a space that we weren’t in before.” I heard this recently from our first advocacy grant partner, Health Care For All Massachusetts (HCFA). It highlights how a risk the Rx Foundation took in 2019... Read More
Several years ago, I was honored to give the opening plenary, From Biases to Strengths, for Exponent Philanthropy’s 2018 National Conference. I stood before you and said, “When we raise our collective voices and make courageous use of resources—that is when we stop the hate. That is when we advance our communities. And that is,... Read More
When funders get together to connect, talk and build relationships with one another, big things can happen. Consider, for example, this analysis of over $14 million awarded to nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland, along with a growing understanding of how local giving relates to community needs. The Origins of Our Funders Group About five years... Read More
No topic within private foundation rules raises as many questions and concerns as self-dealing. The self-dealing rules prohibit a range of transactions between private foundations and their insiders (called disqualified persons) to ensure that foundation assets are used for charitable purposes rather than private benefit. Common Acts of Self-Dealing The self-dealing rules are broad and... Read More
An investment policy statement (IPS) is the starting point and bedrock of a foundation’s investment strategy. It constitutes a road map for how the foundation plans to achieve and support its stated mission and giving goals through its investment strategy. A foundation’s IPS is a guiding force for the organization, so in the beginning, expect... Read More
A common theme on Exponent’s Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast is leanly staffed foundations’ unique ability to catalyze systems change in ways other entities cannot. Lean foundations can assume more risk, focus on specific issues, and concentrate on distinct locations. Their capacity to convene, advocate, and fund grassroots movements gives them a dynamic edge. We often think... Read More