Health insurance is one of the most common benefits lean foundations offer their staff, alongside paid time off and retirement plans. According to the 2025 Foundation Operations and Management Report, 76% of foundations provide health insurance for full-time employees. One of the most frequently discussed topics in our Member Discussion Community is securing health insurance... Read More
A Wake-Up Call for the Sector Exponent Philanthropy’s 2025 Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) sheds a critical light on ongoing and troubling pay disparities in the philanthropic sector. Women in leadership roles, such as CEOs, earn 27% less than their male counterparts. What?! How?! In a field where many of us are committed to... Read More
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
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
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
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