For decades, foundations have led with grantmaking. But too often, we’ve overlooked a fundamental truth: our investment decisions are also mission decisions. When we deploy capital, we shape markets, influence corporate behavior, and affect communities—sometimes reinforcing and sometimes undermining the very outcomes we fund through grants. If we are serious about advancing thriving communities, economic... Read More
Many lean funders, looking at their limited budgets and small teams, ask a familiar question: Is writing a check the most we can really offer? New data from Exponent Philanthropy’s 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report suggests the answer is no, and many foundations are already demonstrating why. Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy highlights four Catalysts... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy’s 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) sheds light on ongoing pay disparities in the philanthropic sector. While the gender pay gap narrowed slightly from the previous year, it has by no means disappeared. Women in leadership roles, such as CEOs, still earn 23% less than their male counterparts, underscoring that meaningful progress... 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
Each year, Exponent Philanthropy surveys lean foundations from across the country to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy. The 2026 Foundation Operations & Management Report (FOMR) provides essential benchmarking data on leadership, governance, grantmaking, and investments, helping funders make informed decisions to maximize their impact. What’s New in the 2026 FOMR? This year’s report includes new data to reflect... Read More
The 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report is available now! This is the only resource of its kind for foundations operating with few or no staff. The full Foundation Operations and Management Report offers key philanthropy benchmarks and long-term data on the evolution of lean foundations. Based on our annual survey of members, this report... Read More