This statement on the value and importance of inclusiveness and diversity was developed by the Board of Directors for the Surdna Foundation: Read More
To highlight the current state of lean funder evaluation, this report provides an overview of the evaluation methods funders use most often, what they find most useful, how those techniques play out in practice, and how funders use evaluation information to support their work. This report expands on data presented in Exponent Philanthropy’s 2020 Foundation... Read More
Funders are being asked to demonstrate how they address social inequities by what they do, who they are and how they do it. How does philanthropy begin to embed equity into grantmaking, policies and culture? Drawing from a foundation’s own journey towards advancing health equity, this webinar will teach practical ways to inspire action to... Read More
Reproductive rights and justice are under attack, isolation is increasing the demand for relationship abuse services, society is motivated to take action against racial injustice and oppression. Funders are responding, but if we aren’t intentional about word choice and language, we can inadvertently undermine the causes we’re moving forward. For example, which phrasing allows us... Read More
As funders seek to leverage their resources for impact and change, many ignore a powerful asset right under their gaze. This hidden asset is the donor, board member, family member, or staff person who possesses curiosity—the drive to venture out into the community or field to listen, talk with people, and learn. From interviews with... Read More
“You need to get out and kick the tires,” is one of two key phrases our founder, Stewart Kean, used frequently when advising his board at the 1772 Foundation before he passed away in 2003. The other was, “I want you to have fun.” Although these may seem to be casual statements, Stewart Kean actually was creating... Read More