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
In philanthropy, many leadership decisions don’t come with clear solutions. Where should you focus your giving? What happens when community needs shift quickly? How do you balance the many roles funders play as grantmakers, listeners, conveners, or advocates? Questions like these rarely have a single right path. Often, the most valuable insights emerge not from... Read More
Peer learning is one of the best ways funders share ideas, improve their practice, and build strong professional connections. The Peer Circles Planning Guide is a practical toolkit that helps foundations and philanthropic professionals plan and host engaging Peer Circles—interactive discussions that support shared learning and collaboration. The guide walks you through each step of... 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