Embracing the catalytic leadership virtues of humility, passion, curiosity, and patience propels funders to move from grantmakers to changemakers. These virtues enable catalytic leaders to become dynamic agents of progress, break down power imbalances, weave networks, break through barriers, and invite new voices to the decision table.
"These are not just virtues but practices — they remove both the pressure and the power dynamic of a funder showing up as the "expert" who is prescribing a specific intervention or outcome. These practices keep me rooted in a learning mindset, keep the lines of communication open with grantee partners, and ensure that I never just sit back and coast on the philanthropic practices that are easy."
— Jennie Riley, Executive Director, Rx FoundationReflection Prompts
We encourage you to reflect on how the catalytic leadership virtues show up in your own work:
When have you noticed yourself wanting to offer advice but stopped yourself — and instead asked a question? When have you prioritized the knowledge of others or those close to the issue?
Are you driven by a passion for a particular issue, problem, or opportunity? How does that passion align with the foundation's mission? How does that passion impact your work?
When have you been curious about an issue in your work that led you down a path you hadn't anticipated? Where, how, and from whom do you seek information and ideas?
Social change is a journey. What would that journey look like at your foundation if you were to follow a focused path over many years? What are the barriers at your foundation to committing to one issue or a desired outcome for multiple years?
"It's one thing to embrace the virtues and challenges of being humble, asking curious questions, and being patient. But walking the walk is another thing completely. I have to resist wanting to be the "smartest person in the room" and profoundly feel the pressure — imposed by myself, mostly, but reinforced by the institution of philanthropy — to somehow discern what a "good investment" is. In 12 years in this business, I have learned to trust my instincts about people and what is important to them."
— Henry Rael, McCune Charitable FoundationAs you continue your catalytic journey, embrace the leadership virtues of humility, passion, curiosity, and patience. They will guide you toward a more holistic and effective approach to tackling your community's most pressing challenges.
- Ask key decision makers: When have we truly listened before deciding? How might our own assumptions be limiting our impact?
- Use the discussion guide Why Every Foundation Can and Should Have Impact to engage key decision makers.
- Invite a grantee to your next board meeting — not to present, but to have a conversation.
- Read the 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report section on Leadership Virtues.
- Attend an Exponent Philanthropy program focused on catalytic leadership.
- Connect with peer funders who are further along their catalytic journey.