More than 20 years ago our organization was formed when a small group gathered at a philanthropy conference under a handwritten sign reading “Are you alone with millions?” Today, Exponent Philanthropy includes thousands of funders and supporters who shape our programs, services, and strategy. From the beginning, the driving force of our association has been our community of funders who are always striving to improve the impact of their work.

In that spirit, we collectively created our 2020–2025 Strategic Plan.

The planning process, generously supported by Fidelity Charitable Trustee’s Philanthropy Fund, collected community input through online surveys, focus groups, and a multi-day in-person planning retreat. We heard from members and other stakeholders old and new, and we built on their insights to refine our mission and vision statements, clarify our goals, and set our strategy for the next five years.

Our commitment to lean funders (those who practice philanthropy with few or no staff) has never been stronger. This planning process affirmed the critical and unique role we play in the philanthropy sector and the value of our community and offerings.

We are grounded in our history and are excited about how this Strategic Plan shapes the association’s future as an inclusive community that fosters learning, connection, and collaboration.

 

Goals of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan

• Amplify and Increase the Impact of Lean Funders
  Exponent Philanthropy offers a wide range of services specifically for lean funders to advance their impact and champion their powerful style of philanthropy.
• Build a Broader and Deeper Exponent Philanthropy Community Through Sharing and Collaboration
  Exponent Philanthropy invests in and creates opportunities for sharing and collaboration among lean funders; it also facilitates connections between lean funders and other influencers in the philanthropic sector.
• Maximize our Relevance and Accessibility to a Variety of Funders
  Exponent Philanthropy offers valuable, easily accessible resources to a wide variety of funders throughout their philanthropic journey.
• Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy
  Exponent Philanthropy cultivates a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and among our community of lean funders.