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What Can Funders Learn From Dropping the Ball?
At Exponent Philanthropy’s 2018 National Conference, author Tiffany Dufu introduced a simple yet novel concept that helps her thrive in her professional and personal life: dropping the ball. As Dufu’s responsibilities increased at work, her husband took on a more demanding job with greater travel, and the two became parents, there were not enough hours... Read More
Embracing a Racial Equity Lens in Your Philanthropy
As my fellow Exponent Philanthropy staff, colleagues, and board members continue on our journey to actively embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity I find myself, as a funder, thinking about things differently. Each new seed of insight doesn’t cause an immediate seismic shift in my grantmaking, but is a catalyst for cleaning my glasses, opening my... Read More
Collaboration Across Differences: A High-Return Investment
In a time when divisive politics often sends people to their partisan corners, funders have the opportunity to play a unique role as bridge-builders. By investing in efforts that bring together individuals and organizations from different sectors and viewpoints, you can contribute to reducing polarization while also laying the groundwork for more lasting societal change.... Read More
How Planning to Close My Foundation’s Doors Was the Right Business Model: Part 3
In the first and second blog in this 3-part series, Fran Sykes reflected on how her board’s decision to sunset spurred the foundation to stretch and expand its vision, and try to establish a legacy in its limited time. The second blog ended with these questions: What lessons have we learned? What can we pass on... Read More
Advocacy With a Small “a”—Big Ideas for Small Foundations
While attending Exponent Philanthropy’s 2018 National Conference last month, I had a surprise: I saw a significant number of grantmakers genuinely excited about getting involved in advocacy! At the closing luncheon, I was seated with Melinda McAliney, Director of the Brown Sisters Foundation and Vario Philanthropy, in St Louis, Missouri. She noticed it too and... Read More
Just Say No: The Art of the Turndown
People sometimes compare the foundation/grantseeker courtship to the dating process: Funders and grantseekers are looking to find each other and build long-term relationships. Sometimes the chemistry is there; other times, it isn’t. Rejection is an inevitable part of this process, so learning to say no politely and confidently is an essential skill. That said, let’s be... Read More