Page 36 - 2024 January report

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (DRAFT) (5) d. Programing options
9.
A list of Disability Programing contacts and potential grants had been circulated. A discussion took place about the possibility of working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the disability focus area. The 2017 agreement with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) did not work out, but another partnership in the future is a possibility. A question was raised whether there is an interest in working with FAMU specifically or any HBCU? While HBCUs receive federal grant funding for many programs, those do not usually include disability services. It was suggested that a Request for Proposals (RFP) could be one approach, although JSF has not done RFPs in the past. Howard University, a high-profile HBCU in the Washington, D.C. area, is another possible school for consideration.
Exponent Philanthropy Proposal
A proposal from Exponent Philanthropy for $30,000 per year for 3 years had been circulated. In October, Malcolm attended Exponent’s annual conference and learned about the Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) initiative, described as a mindset and practice that empowers lean, place-based foundations to unleash their full potential to spark transformative change. Exponent’s request is for funding to support development of the CLIP program
Malcolm welcomed Paul Daugherty, Exponent’s CEO, and Andy Carroll, Exponent’s Senior Advisor. Both joined the meeting through Zoom. Paul described Exponent as the largest philanthropic network in the United States. Their definition of lean funders refers to staff, not assets, and their 1,600 member organizations have assets ranging from less than $1 million to over $1 billion. Exponent’s work focuses on amplifying and increasing the impact of these lean funders and transforming communities through informed giving. They do this by fostering a strong philanthropic network, highlighting the work of high-impact funders, sharing innovative and promising practices from across the field, providing intensive leadership and skills training, and offering a robust arena for idea exchange and collaboration.
Andy spoke of the Catalytic Leadership program – a 4-part system incorporating Leadership Virtues, Core Practices, Catalytic Skills and what he called the 4 Cs: Convene, Connect, Collaborate and Champion. The system is the basis of the Catalytic Academy, which was launched in 2023 as a series of virtual programs. Its success led Exponent to look toward expanding CLIP’s reach starting in 2024. They want to design and implement an intensive series of 2- to 3-month experiential trainings; connect and train alumni from these intensive programs; and form a committee of champions to ensure CLIP reaches its full potential as a guiding practice for philanthropy. Next year they will lead an intensive program on advocacy, and future topics include convening, collaboration and early seed funding. The Blackstone Ranch Institute provided a lead gift of $30,000 for the expansion effort. Exponent seeks other funders to come on board with multi-year commitments.
Paul and Andy were asked about whether CLIP benefits nonprofits. Andy said the focus presently is on funders, but the program does help nonprofits by encouraging funders to get to know their grantees better. CLIP also emphasizes risk-taking on small nonprofits. In one of the modules, the field work was to interview 8 or more individuals that the funder hadn’t spoken to before, including representatives of small organizations, non-grantees and people who serve constituencies outside of the funder’s focus areas. When planning began for these sessions, Exponent looked to adult learning experts who said that adults learn best by being able to practice skills, engage with peers and participate in a longer-term learning experience. Those methods helped to shape the structure of the sessions.
Asked about the qualities of lean funders that make them effective, Paul spoke of how they are closely connected to their communities and they value working collaboratively with others. Also, massively staffed foundations move more slowly than those that are thinly staffed.
Paul thanked JSF for being longtime members of Exponent. Andy invited the Committee to listen to some of the Catalytic Philanthropy podcasts that are available on Exponent’s website. He and Andy left the meeting.
Page 34 January Report