One session at the Exponent Philanthropy National Conference this past fall prompted a question that I’ve continued to ponder. I attended the session “A Framework for Foundation Investing in a Low-Return Environment.” Full disclosure: As a relative newcomer to philanthropy, I often feel anxious in discussions about organizational budgets and investing. But it’s an important... Read More
Driving to my first improv class, I was so terrified that I almost threw up. The idea of creating spontaneous theater with strangers, and being vulnerable in that way, made me extremely uncomfortable. At Exponent Philanthropy’s Master Juggler Executive Institute that I attended a few years ago, the facilitator told all 19 of us foundation... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy member and foundation consultant Dawn Franks, founder/CEO of Your Philanthropy, recently published the e-book Giving Fingerprints, designed to help funders recognize where their giving is taking them and what it tells others about them. This post is adapted from the e-book, available now for complimentary download. You have a unique giving brand. Whether... Read More
As my fellow Exponent Philanthropy staff, colleagues, and board members continue on our journey to actively embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity I find myself, as a funder, thinking about things differently. Each new seed of insight doesn’t cause an immediate seismic shift in my grantmaking, but is a catalyst for cleaning my glasses, opening my... Read More
In a time when divisive politics often sends people to their partisan corners, funders have the opportunity to play a unique role as bridge-builders. By investing in efforts that bring together individuals and organizations from different sectors and viewpoints, you can contribute to reducing polarization while also laying the groundwork for more lasting societal change.... Read More
While attending Exponent Philanthropy’s 2018 National Conference last month, I had a surprise: I saw a significant number of grantmakers genuinely excited about getting involved in advocacy! At the closing luncheon, I was seated with Melinda McAliney, Director of the Brown Sisters Foundation and Vario Philanthropy, in St Louis, Missouri. She noticed it too and... Read More