You are not alone if you feel stuck administering grants for your small-staffed foundation using sticky notes, whiteboards, or spreadsheets. For many lean foundations, the high costs of implementing and maintaining a purpose-built grant management system (GMS) can be prohibitive. However, by leveraging the nonprofit license donation programs from industry-leading technology providers, you can create... Read More
What Is the Nonprofit Sector? The nonprofit sector encompasses institutions and organizations that are neither government nor business. A nonprofit exists to benefit the public and operates without the intent of making a profit. Any revenue generated is reinvested into the organization to support its mission or charitable purpose rather than distributed to shareholders, as... Read More
Philanthropy is constantly evolving. Pressing issues and major political, economic, and technological shifts push funders to reassess their approach. Some lean funders—those with few or no staff—stand out by centering their giving on authentic relationships with grantees and community members. Exponent Philanthropy calls this approach Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP), a mindset and practice that... Read More
Some philanthropists decide to operate in the public realm early on. But others go public at some point over time, often when they feel compelled to act. However it emerges, going public can be a pivotal transition point and a bold act of leadership. The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation quietly awarded grants in the area... Read More
In an interview with Andrea Pactor of Women’s Philanthropy Institute, Exponent Philanthropy member Jane Leighty Justis, board chair of The Leighty Foundation, describes steps she and the foundation leadership are taking to educate and engage the foundation’s next generations. When Ike Leighty was in his 60s, he and a partner began a small manufacturing business.... Read More
It’s common for Exponent Philanthropy members who’ve made significant impact to reflect back and say, “Money wasn’t the most important thing. It was really about being a catalyst, making things happen.” Philanthropy is more than transferring money. It’s about using passion, knowledge, connections, advocacy, and dollars to make change on important issues. Central to success... Read More