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My mind is confused. My heart is heavy.
For several days, I have struggled with how to make sense of what is happening in this country. I’ve heard commentators—black and white—prognosticate on what we must do, while trying to explain what brought us to today. I have read words from my colleagues in the philanthropic field, calling for action and offering heartfelt directions... Read More
A Call for Creative Catalytic Philanthropy
Philanthropy doesn’t stand still. Pressing issues and seismic political, economic, and technological shifts move us to regularly revisit and renew how we work. Urgency, passion, inquisitiveness, and a desire to engage is driving a number of lean funders (those with few or no staff) to center their giving around authentic relationships with grantees and members... Read More
Lean Funders Are Adjusting Grantmaking and Operations to Respond to COVID-19: Week of May 19
On Friday, May 15, Exponent Philanthropy hosted another live discussion for lean funders to share how they’re responding to COVID-19. We’ll continue hosting these discussions every Friday at 2 p.m. EST to give all lean funders the opportunity to connect around their responses. We are also compiling COVID-19 information and resources relevant to lean funders. Lean funders are responding to... Read More
Should Foundation Executive Directors Serve on the Board?
In the past, I was a nonprofit capacity building adviser, and this question came up often. The principles that applied to those charitable nonprofits can also help foundations. It’s useful to think of this question in two-parts: Should the executive director serve as a board member? Should the executive director be a voting or non-voting... Read More
Lean Funders Are Adjusting Grantmaking and Operations to Respond to COVID-19: Week of May 11
On Friday, May 8, Exponent Philanthropy hosted another live discussion for lean funders to share how they’re responding to COVID-19. We’ll continue hosting these discussions every Friday at 2 p.m. EST to give all lean funders the opportunity to connect around their responses. We are also compiling COVID-19 information and resources relevant to lean funders. Lean funders are responding to... Read More
How to Engage the National Student Response Network During COVID-19
Giving Beyond Dollars By Henry Berman I speak often about how we as funders can support our nonprofit partners and communities, beyond giving funds. Among the methods we have at our disposal—conveying, advocating and offering connections. Recently, I spoke with Jalen Benson, a first-year medical student, and his colleague Julia Walczak, a nursing student. They’re... Read More