The 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report is available now! This is the only resource of its kind for foundations operating with few or no staff. The full Foundation Operations and Management Report offers key philanthropy benchmarks and long-term data on the evolution of lean foundations. Based on our annual survey of members, this report... Read More
Artificial intelligence—particularly large language models (LLMs), AI tools trained on large amounts of text to generate written responses—are becoming a more common part of nonprofit and philanthropic work. For foundations, these tools can support research, drafting, and internal analysis, while also prompting critical questions: What new risks does AI introduce, and how should governance and... Read More
Celebrating 30 years of impact! What began as an idea in 1995 has evolved into the largest philanthropic network in the nation – more than 1,500 strong – that works together to address the hands-on challenges of lean funders. As the Exponent Philanthropy team settles into 2026 – our 30th year advancing meaningful philanthropy – we are filled with gratitude for our community and all that we accomplished together last year. During a year shaped by political,... Read More
3 days of knowledge sharing, skill building, and connections—in Columbus, Ohio! Missed the conference? Relive the highlights in this quick preview. This event is designed for and by lean funders, those who give with few or no staff. It’s where you can have candid conversations about the issues you care about most. Check out our... Read More
As foundations seek to strengthen impact while streamlining processes, multiyear funding and general operating support are gaining momentum as more flexible, relationship-centered alternatives to short-term, project-restricted grants. Exponent Philanthropy’s new primer, The Hows & Whys of Multiyear General Operating Support, explores how multiyear funding and general operating support work best when combined. It highlights how... Read More
A Practical Guide To Flexible, Long-Term Funding Multiyear general operating support is one of the most effective ways foundations can support nonprofit sustainability and one of the funding approaches nonprofits request most often. By offering unrestricted funding over multiple years, multiyear GOS gives organizations the flexibility and stability to plan ahead, invest in people and... Read More