Philanthropy

Exponent Philanthropy's 2019 Next Gen Fellows Program

Philanthropy is not often thought of as a young person's industry. But look a little closer, and it's apparent that there are young people moving and shaking in the world of foundations and grantmaking. If you're a member of this younger generation (the Next Gen), or have a Next Gen board member or staff person in your foundation, take a look at Exponent Philanthropy's Next Gen Fellows program--a 6-month training designed exclusively for Next Gen philanthropists.

What You Should -- and Shouldn't -- Do When Meeting with Prospective Grantees

This article originally ran in the Chronicle of Philanthropy in response to an op-ed on what grantseekers should (and should not) do when meeting with donors for the first time.

As grant makers, we hold enormous power in relationships with nonprofits. Foundations big and small operate in a system in which nonprofits need funders (or, more precisely, our dollars) to achieve their missions. Our grantees, however, hold the answers to the questions and problems that drive us; they give our dollars meaning and effect, and their work allows us to achieve our missions. It is shortsighted, therefore, to view nonprofits simply as grant seekers. We should see them as critical partners in achieving our own missions as funders. And that partnership must be built on a foundation of mutual respect.

Education Opportunities: Frederick County Library's Grant Seeker's Resource Center

Education Opportunities: Frederick County Library's Grant Seeker's Resource Center

Did you know that Frederick County Libraries is the home of a robust Grant Seeker's Resource Library, generously sponsored by the Foundation Center's Funder Information Network and the Ausherman Family Foundation? At the GSRC, you can check out non-profit and fundraising-specific materials, access Foundation Center's search engine for funding opportunities, talk with a grants librarian, and/or sign up for seminars on topics of interest to non-profits. 

Our First "Annual" Report: 2013-2017

Our First "Annual" Report: 2013-2017

In 2017, we celebrated (quietly!) our fifth anniversary. Our organization was founded in 2012, and started activities in 2013, and we couldn't be happier to be looking back at what we've done over the last five years--and our hopes for the upcoming year--in our first-ever "annual" report (that just happens to cover five years).

Take a look, see what some of our partners have been up to, and let us know what you think!

Funding Opportunity: Capacity Building Grants for Frederick-County Nonprofits

Funding Opportunity: Capacity Building Grants for Frederick-County Nonprofits

The Ausherman Family Foundation’s (AFF) Trustees announced their 2018 Capacity Building Grant Cycle 1 opened on December 1, 2017. Eligible Frederick-County nonprofit organizations whose staff and board members are committed to growing the organization’s capacity to reach new levels of effectiveness may apply.

2016 Exponent Philanthropy National Conference in Chicago: Come Say Hello!

2016 Exponent Philanthropy National Conference in Chicago: Come Say Hello!

Are you heading to the 2016 Exponent Philanthropy Conference? We'll be there, and would love to connect with other small-staffed foundations who might be attending. Be sure to look for our Program Officer, Kerry McHugh, at her panels, and for board member Alex Serini at the Next Gen convening on Monday evening!