Without open, honest conversations, funders can’t learn what nonprofits really need to deliver outcomes desired by funders, grantees, and, most of all, people and communities in need. One of the biggest barriers to getting the complete story is the lack of trust between funders and grantees. Another task is creating the conditions necessary to listen... Read More
Leadership can be defined in hundreds of ways. Its definition varies from field to field, deriving its essence from the particular goals, activities, and cultures of different professions or industries. For this reason, we can’t start with an off-the-shelf definition of leadership. Instead, by taking time to explore leadership by small foundations and describe what... Read More
“Tackling the world’s most vexing social problems is a challenge for even the biggest foundations,” writes Exponent Philanthropy member Emily Tow Jackson in the Chronicle of Philanthropy (March 24, 2013). “Nonetheless, it is possible for small foundations to bring about large-scale social change.” Small-staffed philanthropists are perfectly positioned to be change makers. What does this... Read More
In Exponent Philanthropy’s work helping small-staffed foundations and donors step into leadership roles, we have learned that the most dynamic, effective funders use their power judiciously—but boldly. In a paradoxical way, the source of their power is passion, curiosity, and humility. They are great listeners. They don’t begin by thinking they know the answers; they... Read More
Why encourage philanthropists working with few or no staff who already limited time and money to take on evaluation? Two reasons: First, evaluation is a critical element for philanthropists that desire to increase their impact. Second, just because evaluation has been overwhelming or unproductive in the past doesn’t mean it has to be going forward.... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy member Fran Sykes and fellow trustees of The Pascale Sykes Foundation use a mix of state data on school achievement and information from other government agencies to set the foundation’s funding priorities. She points out that others can use similar information too: “Every state has KIDS COUNT. Every state has stats from its... Read More