For grantmakers, few things are as illuminating as seeing a nonprofit’s work up close. A site visit cuts through the paperwork, brings the work to life in a way no document can, and opens up conversations that simply don’t happen over email. But site visits are also high-stakes moments. They raise expectations, shape relationships, and... Read More
Across the nonprofit sector, an enormous amount of time is spent on grant applications that will never be funded. Some of that is unavoidable. A lot of it isn’t. When application processes are more complex than they need to be, the burden falls on the nonprofits least equipped to handle it, and the real value of... Read More
If you’re a lean funder looking to invest in the future of your community, consider adding youth philanthropy to your portfolio. Across the country, young people are engaging in philanthropy in ways that shape not only their own lives, but also the strength and resilience of their communities. These experiences foster leadership, deepen civic participation,... Read More
Raise your hand if you’ve heard this before: Two weeks before a foundation announced its annual RFP, my organization found out we wouldn’t be invited to reapply. After five years of funding, deep collaboration, and conversations just months earlier that suggested continued support, 30% of our overall budget suddenly disappeared. I was funder ghosted. BS... Read More
As foundations seek to strengthen impact while streamlining processes, multiyear funding and general operating support are gaining momentum as more flexible, relationship-centered alternatives to short-term, project-restricted grants. Exponent Philanthropy’s new primer, The Hows & Whys of Multiyear General Operating Support, explores how multiyear funding and general operating support work best when combined. It highlights how... Read More
Philanthropy doesn’t always have to be big to be bold. Sometimes, the most powerful change starts with a small, timely investment. Seed grants are often the first spark that allows a nonprofit to test an idea, take a risk, or prove a concept. They’re not about guaranteeing success, but rather creating the conditions for innovation.... Read More