When philanthropy partners, communities prosper.” This theme resounded throughout our 2023 Annual Conference, where members from all 50 states and every type of community gathered with 500+ peers in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to learn and make meaningful connections. Here are some highlights from the event:

Busting Myths: The Strategic Case for Unrestricted Funding

Multiyear, unrestricted funding gives nonprofits space to dream, innovate, and respond to things. It lets nonprofits cover costs rarely covered by project grants (rent, utilities, operations, infrastructure), helps with staff retention, and signals to nonprofits that you trust them to know how to allocate funds.

Making the Most of Your Foundation for Catalytic Impact

Many foundations use only a fraction of their capabilities and potential. They should consider the full range of assets and strategies as to their portfolios, operations, communications, outreach/advocacy, grantmaking, and DEI/IDEA.

Actionable Ways to Support Nonprofit Leaders of Color

Here are three things your foundation can do right now: 1) Ask and listen. 2) Identify leadership development program partners. 3) Shine a light on leaders through your foundation’s communications.

Mission Aligned Investing in Practice

Globally, one in three dollars invested focuses on sustainability. And 99% of millennial active individual investors are interested in sustainable investing.

Casting Vision: Setting and Tracking Your Strategic Plan

The difference between setting goals and objectives: Goals are broad, long-term outcomes that are reasonable to achieve within a time frame and with available resources. Objectives are specific and break down goals into more explicit directions by providing quantitative measurements.  

Read the full article about funder takeaways by Paul D. Daugherty at Exponent Philanthropy.