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How Lean Funders Responded to Recent Historic Inflation
In 2022, the United States experienced historically high inflation rates. This took a toll on communities, nonprofits, and foundations alike. Inflation significantly impacted funders and altered the ways they approached grantmaking, grantees, and staff compensation. Some foundations even considered modifying their investment strategies to keep pace with rampant inflation. We compiled this information in our... Read More
Rethinking Annual Grants: The Case for Multiyear Funding
Multiyear funding offers something nonprofits value deeply: predictability. When a foundation commits support for two or more years, it shifts the nature of the relationship. Organizations can plan beyond the next grant cycle. Retaining staff becomes more feasible. Strategic investments carry less risk. Leaders are able to focus less on short-term survival and more on... Read More
Building Family Connection Through Values Alignment
It’s often said that family and money don’t mix well. However, I would challenge the notion—I literally wrote the book, A Passion for Giving, on the topic, providing practical guidelines to leverage family wealth for impactful philanthropy. Giving is not just good for the world, but also integral to nurturing healthy family dynamics—and may even... Read More
How a Lean Foundation Sparked Economic Revitalization Where Business and Government Could Not
A common theme on Exponent’s Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast is leanly staffed foundations’ unique ability to catalyze systems change in ways other entities cannot. Lean foundations can assume more risk, focus on specific issues, and concentrate on distinct locations. Their capacity to convene, advocate, and fund grassroots movements gives them a dynamic edge. We often think... Read More
Adapting Your Grant Approach Series: Tips for Funding Returning Grantees
This post originally appeared on the Foundation Source blog. Many private foundations fund specific organizations multiple times over several grantmaking cycles. Doing so can help continue a particular charitable program or project, or simply provide a subsequent round of general operating support. As organizations seeking continued support (“returning grantees”) are viewed in a different light than first-time... Read More
Data on Family Foundations from the 2024 Foundation Operations & Management Report
Family foundations play a unique role in philanthropy, blending personal values with strategic giving. These foundations—often led and funded by family members—shape communities through their grantmaking and long-term commitments. Our annual Foundation Operations and Management Report (FOMR) offers a window into how these foundations operate, the challenges they face, and the impact they create. In the... Read More