Outsized Impact 2014

In this Exponent Philanthropy report, read about trends shaping foundations with few or no staff and their outsized impact on the world.

When it comes to philanthropic impact, size truly doesn't matter. In fact, some would argue, the smaller the operation, the more agile it can be.

Philanthropy practiced with few or no staff is powerful, popular, and on the rise. In fact, it makes up the largest segment of all philanthropies today. Across the country, tens of thousands of foundations, giving circles, donor advised funds, and individuals are intentionally keeping their operations lean and their ears to the ground, nimbly maneuvering their dollars, skills, and leadership to do the most good.

More than a dozen thought leaders share their insights in this report released July 2014.

  • What is the state of today's most popular and powerful style of philanthropy?
  • How are donors across a range of vehicles leveraging their assets -- financial and otherwise -- to achieve enormous impact across the country and around the world?
  • What is the role of community, collaboration, passion, and perseverance?

Contributors

Sara Beggs, Henry Berman, Andy Carroll, Hanh Le, and Janice Simsohn Shaw, Exponent Philanthropy

Jennifer Acree and Nick Deychakiwsky, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation; and Kathi Horton, Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Diana Aviv, Independent Sector

Jason Baron and Jackie VanderBrug, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Corporation

Nina Cohen, Glenmede

Bill Draper, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

Peter J. Klein, Klein Wealth Management at HighTower Advisors

Mark Larimer, Foundant Technologies

Cynthia Strauss, Fidelity Charitable

Publishers

Exponent Philanthropy