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Key Insights from the 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report

Each year, Exponent Philanthropy surveys lean foundations from across the country to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy. The 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report (FOMR) provides essential benchmarking data on leadership, governance, grantmaking, and investments, helping funders make informed decisions to maximize their impact.  This year’s findings highlight evolving leadership approaches, increased flexible... Read More

Change Up Your Giving With These Creative Strategies

Philanthropy is well-positioned to serve causes around the world in creative ways. The following examples from Exponent Philanthropy members illustrate some less common giving strategies that draw on the unique assets funders hold. Use them to expand your portfolio, or be inspired to think of other ways to leverage your dollars, experience, reputation, and time. Provide... Read More

The Power of Simple Questions

Thirteen years ago, my parents sold their telecommunications company and started a private foundation. Their earliest motivations were to avert taxes from the sale and safeguard my two brothers and me from inheriting wealth that would deter us from working for a living. For the first 7 years, on December 27, we gathered for a... Read More

Lessons in Board Recruitment from Malcolm MacLeod 

At Exponent Philanthropy, we believe lean foundations can drive significant change through thoughtful strategies and meaningful community engagement. Malcolm MacLeod, board chair of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, recently shared how his foundation has embraced these practices to achieve transformative outcomes. He discusses this in depth on a recent episode of The Catalytic Podcast: Supercharging Impact:... Read More

A Call for Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy

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

Philanthropy’s Advocacy is Needed Now More Than Ever

Last week, I attended Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) in Washington, DC, with three Exponent Philanthropy colleagues to discuss how federal policy changes impact our communities and nonprofit partners.  The 22nd FOTH brought together a record number of donors, foundation leaders, and nonprofit staff to be briefed on legislative actions and provided guidance advocacy in... Read More