Guest Blogging Guidelines - Exponent Philanthropy

Guest Blogging Guidelines

The Exponent Philanthropy blog highlights stories that are relevant to lean funders who are nimbly maneuvering their dollars, skills and leadership to make an impressive impact. The most powerful posts take the reader on a journey and explain not only what you did but why, connecting them emotionally to the story being told.

General Advice

  • Be concise—blogs should run between 400-1,000 words (500 is ideal).
  • Optimize titles with keywords, and try not to exceed 60 characters.
  • Pictures, graphics and charts must be .jpg or .png and include the source.
  • Provide a short bio or organizational descriptionup to 50 words that includes social media handles and links to your website.
  • Subheadings to break up big blocks of text and bulleted lists are encouraged.
  • We reserve the right to edit the blog for grammar, relevance, voice and clarity.
  • We’ll promote your blog on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and in email and Essentials, and encourage you to do the same!
  • Write in an easy to understand, accessible style using active voice.

Our Members

Encompass all types of lean funders—those who practice philanthropy with few or no staff, including:

  • Corporate foundations
  • Community foundations
  • Individual donors
  • Operating foundations
  • Philanthropic families
  • Private foundations

Our Mission

To amplify and increase the impact of lean funders by building an inclusive community where they can learn, connect and collaborate.

Our Audience

Those interested in philanthropy, who may or may not be new to the organization. This includes current and prospective members, colleague organizations, corporate partners and other philanthropy advisers, and media.

Top Performing Blogs

Just Say No: The Art of the Turndown


I Used To Be on the Other Side: Reducing the Power Dynamic in Philanthropy


Grantmaking Basics: Creating Grant Guidelines


Lessons From Launching an Impact Investing Portfolio: One Family Foundation’s Journey


More Lean Funders Should Consider General Operating Support


How Can Lean Funders Proactively Advance Racial Equity? Don’t Go It Alone


Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re struggling to being your post, this template may be helpful:

  • Title: Cut to the chase. Readers should know what they’re getting when they click on the blog. The basic formula “How We Did X With Y” can work well.
  • Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention at the very beginning by being really open, honest, provocative or counterintuitive. What was the challenge or goal? Introduce yourself and give a little context about the foundation.
  • The steps: Explain the why. Take your reader through your journey. List your steps clearly (denote them with subheadings.)
  • Conclusion: What did you learn? What was the impact?