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Want To Move From Grantmaker to Changemaker? Consider the Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy Framework
In today’s complex philanthropic landscape, traditional grantmaking often falls short of addressing deep-rooted societal challenges. Many funders devote most of their time to making grants rather than tackling the systems and structures that sustain these problems. What Is Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy? Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a values-driven approach that reimagines how lean... Read More
Is This Self-Dealing? 3 Quick Questions to Ask
No topic in private foundation rules generates more questions than self-dealing. These rules are designed to ensure that foundation assets are used for charitable purposes, not private benefit, by prohibiting certain transactions between the foundation and its insiders (called disqualified persons). The rules are strict: Even minor transactions, or ones that seem to benefit the... Read More
Don’t Know Where to Start with AI? Try Using Your Values
For those of us in philanthropy, AI can feel like both a buzzword and a black hole. But as more tools emerge, it’s worth considering how we might approach them thoughtfully. Like so many others, we at the Farash Foundation have been cautiously exploring artificial intelligence. Our curiosity isn’t just about generating goofy images or... Read More
Engaging the Next Generation: A Starting Point for Foundations
Engaging the next generation in philanthropy can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re thinking of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or younger staff and board members, many foundations struggle to find meaningful ways to bring them into the fold. “The most important thing is to treat young people as equals at the board table,” says... Read More
Building a Strong Board Pipeline: Insights and Strategies for Foundations
A strong board is the cornerstone of a thriving foundation. But finding the right members isn’t easy. From identifying key skills to managing generational shifts, foundations face challenges in building a sustainable board pipeline. Some foundations have developed successful strategies. Others are struggling to find enough qualified candidates. Here’s what funders are doing to strengthen... Read More
2025 Mid-Year Update: Milestones & Momentum from Exponent Philanthropy
As we reach the halfway point of 2025, we’re reflecting on the momentum you’ve helped build across our network of lean funders. From sharing bold new strategies to navigating uncertainty together, the first half of the year has been marked by connection, learning, and collective action. In this update, we’re excited to share highlights from... Read More