Complimentary for Exponent Philanthropy members | $75 non-members Join us for an insightful webinar designed for foundation leaders, board members, and staff seeking to align their investment strategy with their charitable mission. In this session, we’ll explore: Strategies for mission-aligned investing Review and outline a strong investment policy statement Discussion on long-term returns on asset... Read More
Complimentary for Exponent Philanthropy members / $75 non-members Explore the wider landscape of foundations with few or no staff, and determine how your foundation aligns. Drawing on insights from Exponent Philanthropy’s annual survey of leanly staffed foundations, this presentation will examine trends in Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy, equity practices, staff compensation, boards and governance, grantmaking... Read More
Imagine a foundation with $10 million in assets. To meet the 5% distribution requirement, it must allocate $500,000 each year. While foundations take great care in managing their grant distributions, what happens to the remaining $9.5 million? This section will help you understand how foundations manage investments, including who oversees the money and key fiduciary... Read More
Your foundation’s efforts culminate in grantmaking, defining its impact. A solid grantmaking strategy starts with clear goals and requirements for grantees, facilitating grant management and effective funding. Successful grantmaking also requires deeper engagement; understanding nonprofit financials assesses stability, and site visits reveal insights beyond proposals. Building relationships with grantees enhances impact, and knowing advocacy rules... Read More
So, you’re building a foundation board. Now what? A strong board is essential for a well-run foundation, no matter its legal structure. As a board member, you play a crucial role in shaping policies, setting expectations, and ensuring good governance. This page will walk you through everything you need to know—from onboarding new members to... Read More
Each year, Exponent Philanthropy surveys lean foundations from across the country to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy. The 2025 Foundation Operations & Management Report (FOMR) provides essential benchmarking data on leadership, governance, grantmaking, and investments, helping funders make informed decisions to maximize their impact. This year’s findings highlight evolving leadership approaches, increased flexible... Read More