Some of the most effective foundations engaged in policy and advocacy in the United States are small, place-based foundations. By focusing deeply, developing insight into their issue, leveraging reputation and relationships, and working with persistence, these funders are achieving extraordinary impact and a high return on their investment. Why We Designed This Guide We designed... Read More
Evaluation can be a daunting topic for foundations of all sizes. So why encourage small foundations with already limited time and money to take on evaluation? That’s easy: Evaluation is a key element for foundations that want to increase the impact of their giving. This primer introduces you to the evaluation process and outlines each... Read More
For foundations, making an impact requires good planning, intentional work toward a goal, and a drive to keep learning and improving. Evaluation is a critical tool along the way. This primer makes the case for evaluation as a powerful tool for your foundation. It will: Define impact and evaluation. Discuss the many reasons to incorporate... Read More
The Getting to Impact Discussion Guides are designed to help you facilitate discussions among your board members or local community of grantmakers with one purpose: to explore and strengthen a commitment to impact with your giving. The first discussion guide helps you understand impact, the importance of pursuing it, and a basic framework for achieving... Read More
This discussion guide can help you think about ways to build consensus within your foundation and convince you that impact is indeed possible and worth pursuing. Using this guide will help your board and staff: Become aware of the problem. Explore what change means to you. Convince others that impact is worth pursuing. The guide... Read More
This discussion guide helps you understand why evaluation is critical to increasing your foundation’s impact and that evaluation is possible—even if small. Your foundation can use this guide to explore: Why to evaluate. The benefits of evaluation. Evaluation and cost-efficiency. The guide also features relevant Exponent Philanthropy primers and resources for your use. 10 pages Read More