Reflections on Our 2024 Annual Conference Earlier this month, the Exponent Philanthropy community gathered in Austin, TX, to reflect on a year marked by profound challenges and opportunities on local, national, and global levels. Through diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations, we reaffirmed the depth, resilience, and collective power of our community. Amid these challenges, our... Read More
Grantmaking Strategy: Maximizing Your Foundation’s Impact Grantmaking is the culmination of your foundation’s efforts and defines its impact. A strong grantmaking strategy starts with clear goals and well-structured requirements for grantees, making grant management smoother and funding more effective. However, successful grantmaking goes beyond just distributing funds—it involves deeper engagement. Understanding nonprofit financials helps assess... Read More
These Generative AI Guidelines outline how the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation approaches the responsible and ethical use of AI within a foundation setting. The document is intended to support thoughtful adoption of generative AI tools while maintaining transparency, privacy, and human oversight. Key elements include: Ethical Use and Transparency – Establishes guiding principles... Read More
How can small, early-stage grants spark outsized impact? This new case study explores how the Howell Conservation Fund (HCF) used seed funding to accelerate environmental projects and test new ideas, while deepening relationships and learning as a lean funder. Through its 2023–2024 Catalytic Grant Program, HCF awarded nine $5,000 seed grants to organizations worldwide. The... Read More
Family foundations remain an important part of lean philanthropy. Whether fully family-led or supported by nonfamily board members and staff, they continue to influence their communities and giving priorities across generations. The 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) offers new insight into how these foundations are structured and how they give. This year, 51%... Read More
As small foundations, we are always looking for leverage. Where and how can we invest our assets in ways that will produce the best returns? Will organizations we funded in the past survive these times of shrinking resources and growing needs? We must encourage and support our grantees as they reimagine how to accomplish their... Read More
