Benchmarking Data Archives - Exponent Philanthropy

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Topic: “Benchmarking Data”

Family Foundation Trends from the 2025 Operations and Management Report

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Family foundations are a cornerstone of philanthropy, channeling generational wealth into impactful grantmaking and community initiatives. These foundations are often guided by the values, traditions, and priorities of a donor family, resulting in distinct governance structures, staffing patterns, and grantmaking approaches. Whether entirely family-run or including nonfamily board members, family foundations play a vital role... Read More

Key Insights from the 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report

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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

Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Trends and Challenges From the 2024 Report

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Exponent Philanthropy has released the fourth edition of its Racial Equity in Lean Foundations report, the most comprehensive version to date. The publication is based on survey data from over 300 lean foundations and qualitative interviews with more than 25 foundations, consultants, and nonprofits, offering insights into how lean funders are advancing equity. For the... Read More

How Lean Funders Responded to Recent Historic Inflation

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In 2022, the United States experienced historically high inflation rates. This took a toll on communities, nonprofits, and foundations alike. Inflation significantly impacted funders and altered the ways they approached grantmaking, grantees, and staff compensation. Some foundations even considered modifying their investment strategies to keep pace with rampant inflation. We compiled this information in our... Read More

Data on Family Foundations from the 2024 Foundation Operations & Management Report

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Family foundations play a unique role in philanthropy, blending personal values with strategic giving. These foundations—often led and funded by family members—shape communities through their grantmaking and long-term commitments. Our annual Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) offers a window into how these foundations operate, the challenges they face, and the impact they create. In the... Read More

Key Insights from the 2024 Foundation Operations and Management Report

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Exponent Philanthropy is proud to release the latest edition of the Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR). This premier benchmarking resource offers mission-critical statistics on grantmaking, boards and governance, investments, and administration—including salary and benefits—for foundations with few or no staff. This blog has an interesting or important finding from each section of our 2024 report.... Read More