Exponent Philanthropy is an association of mostly small funders- private and community foundations with few or no staff, philanthropic families, and individual donors. The group surveys its membership to understand and share how lean funders are managing their foundation operations. About a quarter of their members responded to the 2022 survey.
- 35% said racial equity is very relevant to their mission, this was particularly the case in board membership. (Defined as “the systematic fair treatment of people of all races that results in equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone.” )
- Less than 5% reported implementing any type of strategy to promote disability inclusion.
- 73% have paid staff of some kind, with 72% having between one and three paid staff members.
- On average, 65% of full-time staff identified as White women; 15%, as White men; 5%, as Latina; 5%, as African American women; and 4%, as Asian women.
- 89% of board members identified as White; 4%, as Black or African American; 3%, as Asian/Pacific Islander; 2%, as Latinx; and 1%, as Multiracial.
- 68% reported having no BIPOC board members. The percentage of foundations with no BIPOC board members has significantly decreased over time.
Most Important Challenges Facing the Foundation
- The board is not considering succession.
- The need for a greater focus in grantmaking
- Lack of long-term asset growth