Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

by Brendan McCormick on July 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm

A strong board is the cornerstone of a thriving foundation. But finding the right members isn’t easy. From identifying key skills to managing generational shifts, foundations face challenges in building a sustainable board pipeline. Some foundations have developed successful strategies. Others are struggling to find enough qualified candidates. Here’s what funders are doing to strengthen The post Building a Strong Board Pipeline: Insights and Strategies for Foundations appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy.

by Valerie Threlfall on July 17, 2025 at 1:40 pm

I find it hard to believe, but I’ve been working in the feedback field for more than 18 years. During that time, I’ve supported both foundations and nonprofits to more The post The Challenge and Opportunity for Funder and Nonprofit Listening Right Now appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by [email protected] on July 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm

A path forward for diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

by Exponent Philanthropy on July 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, we’re reflecting on the momentum you’ve helped build across our network of lean funders. From sharing bold new strategies to navigating uncertainty together, the first half of the year has been marked by connection, learning, and collective action. In this update, we’re excited to share highlights from The post 2025 Mid-Year Update: Milestones & Momentum from Exponent Philanthropy appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy.

by Melinda Tuan on July 15, 2025 at 2:21 pm

A newly released report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), “Voices That Matter,” finds that nearly all foundation respondents report actively working to understand the needs of the people The post Funders: Are We Really Listening? An Opportunity for Reflection and Change appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by [email protected] on July 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Four priorities for NGOs turning to local government partnerships in the face of funding cuts to help build lasting, large-scale solutions to poverty.

by [email protected] on July 14, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Let us take clarity from destruction as we redevelop development.

by Seara Grundhoefer on July 10, 2025 at 2:07 pm

Nonprofits across the country are struggling with the intense pressures facing them, both internal and external, as revealed in CEP’s 2025 State of Nonprofits report, released just over a month The post Beyond Good Intentions: What New CEP Research Reveals About the Importance of Listening for Foundations and Nonprofits   appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by [email protected] on July 9, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Documented, an immigrant-facing nonprofit newsroom, shares the creative and innovative ways they've gone about reaching underserved communities.

by Exponent Philanthropy on July 8, 2025 at 4:53 pm

When disasters strike, people often turn to large institutions for help. However, lean funders can also play a crucial role. With strong community ties and the flexibility to move quickly, they can help meet urgent needs that larger systems might miss or take longer to address. Some foundations respond right away with emergency support. Others The post Responsive Grantmaking: Strategies for Disaster Relief and Recovery appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy.

by Chloe Heskett on July 8, 2025 at 2:24 pm

Hosted by the Network of European Foundations since 2005, EPIM – The European Philanthropic Initiative for Migration, is one of Europe’s longest-standing philanthropic collaboratives. In 2021, it embarked on an The post Transforming a Legacy: From Co-Granting to Truly Collaborative Philanthropy appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by Maggie McGoldrick on July 7, 2025 at 5:57 pm

NCFP receives a number of questions about family philanthropy and is particularly equipped to answer inquiries about philanthropic purpose, governance, next-generation engagement, family dynamics, and succession and legacy. This series is designed to answer commonly asked questions and provide resources and considerations for family funders. If you have a family philanthropy question, consider submitting a request for assistance to NCFP

by [email protected] on July 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Development aid is not a handout but a catalyst for partnership in global stability.

by Chloe Heskett on July 3, 2025 at 2:17 pm

Funders have long encouraged collaboration among their grantees, but historically they have been far less enthusiastic about collaborating with each other. That’s perhaps understandable given that effective collaboration means surrendering The post The Many Paths to Launching and Scaling a Collaborative Fund appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by Chloe Heskett on July 1, 2025 at 2:20 pm

In the following conversation, Natalia Kiryttopoulou, lead for global assessment and advisory services at CEP, discusses just-released research on European foundation practices with Sevda Kilicalp, head of research and learning The post In Discussion: ‘Partnering for Progress,’ a New Report on European Philanthropy appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

by [email protected] on June 30, 2025 at 1:10 pm

Between hard bargains and charity, the future requires catalytic collaboration.

by [email protected] on June 30, 2025 at 1:05 pm

The next chapter for global development means learning from markets and building an accountability culture.

by [email protected] on June 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Finding a way forward in the global pullback from solidarity

by Angela Hult on June 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Advocacy is a long game, and it can be messy at times. However, when paired with grantmaking, it becomes a powerful force for advancing systemic change, deepening relationships with grantee partners, and expanding your foundation’s knowledge and understanding of the issues you care about. Helping your board embrace a broader understanding of advocacy can shift the The post Helping Your Board Understand Advocacy appeared first on Exponent Philanthropy.

by Clare Nolan on June 26, 2025 at 2:18 pm

Philanthropy is more needed than ever, but without governance that reflects today’s complexity, it risks losing its relevance. In a world reshaped by climate instability, democratic erosion, and rising inequality, The post Philanthropy Is Changing — Governance Must Change, Too appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.