One of the defining dynamics of this moment in philanthropy is that while there has been visible retrenchment around DEI, it has also forced a deeper and more disciplined examination of the work itself. Across the sector, institutions are being pushed to clarify not only what they believe but why their leadership structures matter in... Read More
Over the past two years, federal backlash against nonprofits doing racial equity work has been relentless. Executive orders have targeted DEI programs directly, threatening funding and inviting legal scrutiny for foundations that keep equity language in their mission statements, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. Federal funding freezes have hit hardest in the communities... Read More
The Holloway Family Foundation’s Annual Relay Grant is a streamlined, trust-based approach to grantmaking that places funding decisions directly in the hands of women nonprofit leaders of color. In 2020, several reports highlighted persistent disparities in philanthropic giving to women and girls of color, as well as inequities faced by organizations led by people of color... Read More
Philanthropy thrives when it listens, learns, and evolves to meet the needs of the communities it serves. In recent years, lean funders have increasingly recognized that racial equity is not an optional add-on but central to their mission, regardless of focus area. Yet, as this report shows, progress is neither uniform nor assured. While some... Read More
Imagine your neighborhood, town, city, or rural community is facing a significant need or an exciting opportunity, yet it is lacking the financial resources to respond. Too often, the funding and decisions that shape our communities are made far from home without local voices at the table. Even when wealth has been built from the... 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