Blog - Exponent Philanthropy

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Helping Your Board Understand Advocacy

Advocacy is a long game, and it can be messy at times. However, when paired with grantmaking, it becomes a powerful force for advancing systemic change, deepening relationships with grantee partners, and expanding your foundation’s knowledge and understanding of the issues you care about. Helping your board embrace a broader understanding of advocacy can shift the... Read More

Animal Welfare Is Community Care: Why Lean Funders Should Pay Attention

Animal and environmental causes receive just 3% of all nonprofit giving, yet the ripple effects of companion animal welfare extend far beyond pets. From housing instability and public health to community safety and economic resilience, animal welfare is deeply intertwined with human well-being, especially in systemically excluded communities. At the Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF), Colorado’s... Read More

Stronger Boards, Stronger Impact: The Case for Independent Directors

This post first appeared on The Philanthropic Initiative’s (TPI) blog. Family foundations often begin with a singular vision—a passion passed down through generations, or an individual’s desire to make a lasting difference that extends beyond their life. As these foundations grow, however, their governance needs can become more complex.  Governance refers to the systems, structures, and... Read More

How to Simplify Grant Applications and Reports for Nonprofits

In a time of economic uncertainty, staffing shortages, and growing community needs, funders can offer critical support, not just through dollars, but by streamlining practices. Simplifying grant applications and reporting is one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden on nonprofits and free up their time for mission-driven work. Especially now, every hour spent... Read More

Philanthropy in Flux: Key Resources to Help Funders Navigate Disruption

New legislative developments in Washington are adding fresh challenges for funders and foundations. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” recently passed the House and now heads to the Senate, where further debate is expected. Thanks to strong sector advocacy, harmful provisions, such as revoking nonprofit status and taxing nonprofit branding, were removed before the final... Read More