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I Used To Be on the Other Side: Reducing the Power Dynamic in Philanthropy
For the past 30 years, I have had the privilege to work in leadership positions at nonprofit organizations from local through international arenas. I’ve also worked as a consultant for nonprofits doing strategic planning, staff and board development, and fundraising. I know first-hand what it’s like to run programs, engage in advocacy, and have to... Read More
Many Small Funders Don’t Engage in Advocacy. That’s A Mistake.
Amid a devastating pandemic, civic turmoil, and the worst economic contraction since the Great Depression, it might be tempting for small funders to turn away from engaging policymakers. But that’s a mistake. Now more than ever, funders with few or no staff should engage in or double down on advocacy. For far too long, foundations... Read More
We Cannot Stop Moving Forward
A message from Henry Berman, CEO of Exponent Philanthropy One week ago today, we witnessed an assault on our nation’s Capitol. One week from today, that same Capitol will host the inauguration of our new president. Both events will be defining chapters in tomorrow’s history books. But tomorrow is not today. We cannot stand idly... Read More
How Deep Relationships With Community Informs Our Grantmaking
The coronavirus pandemic has opened many of our eyes to how sectors and systems do or don’t address the ever-growing health and income inequities in this country. We can approach this realization in two ways: We can admit the inadequacies of our systems, especially those focused on health, housing, food insecurity and education, or We... Read More
After 26 Years, What I’ve Learned About Making Catalytic Impact
It is with tremendous gratitude that I come to the end of my 26 years as Executive Director of the Butler Family Fund. It’s been my joy and privilege to work with extraordinary, courageous, innovative, and inspiring advocates and organizations. This constellation of brave people and groups has done so much to make our world... Read More
Orange County Grantmakers: Our Equity Journey
Equity is a buzzword heard seemingly everywhere these days. For some, equity is about opportunity. For others, it’s the full inclusion of an entire region’s residents in the economic, social and political life of the area. In the nonprofit and philanthropic space, equity is undeniably central to our mission, despite its varying definitions. Commissioning an... Read More