Running a foundation means navigating complex regulations, usually without a large staff or a legal team down the hall. And most legal questions don’t look like legal questions at first. They start as ordinary situations: A grantee offers the board tickets to its gala. A trustee joins a grantee’s board. A donor asks whether a... Read More
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
What does it actually look like to bring the next generation into your foundation’s work? Most family foundations have good intentions here, welcoming children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or younger staff and board members into the mission, but intentions rarely translate into a clear plan. If that gap has led your foundation to treat next-gen engagement... Read More
Trustees have a lot on their plates, but nothing matters more than getting their legal duties right. A foundation’s board does more than show up to meetings. Trustees must ensure the foundation follows its own bylaws, meets federal and state requirements, and stays true to its charitable purpose. Beyond simply following the law, a foundation’s... Read More
This year, Exponent Philanthropy celebrates 30 years of supporting, connecting, and amplifying the impact of lean funders and transforming communities through informed giving. As philanthropy faces rapid change, growing complexity, and ever-increasing community needs, the role of lean funders — and the need for strong peer connections, practical resources, and community-connected leadership — has never... Read More
