The core practices of Catalytic Philanthropy help create a strong base and give clear direction to your philanthropy. Developing them doesn't happen overnight — it takes time, effort, hard conversations, and practice to build these practices into your work.
"The core practices help us recognize that the needs of the fields in which we are working should drive philanthropy. We regularly invite grantees to board meetings, fund and plan convenings, and make in-person site visits. We adjust our grantmaking to the real gaps and opportunities the experts — grantees — help us understand."
— Catalytic Leader, Exponent Philanthropy MemberReflection Prompts
Take time to reflect on these prompts and develop these core practices:
Your foundation will benefit by focusing tightly on an issue — even with just a portion of your resources. Focusing empowers catalytic leaders to develop knowledge, relationships, and insight over time. What is your work's focus? If you are not focused, what would it take to be more so?
Equity touches every aspect of a foundation's work. Before deepening equity efforts, look internally. How do your organization's policies, practices, and culture reinforce or challenge inequities? Is your board diverse? Does everyone have the space and power to show up as their full selves?
Getting out from behind your desk and into the community you serve is a key practice. How much of your time did you spend at the office last month compared with conversations with grantees and community members? What would your work look like if you streamlined processes to make more time for community connections?
When funders give multiyear general operating support, they help sustain a nonprofit's mission rather than specific programs. Instead of measuring grant-level impact, ask: Is this organization still running high-quality programs that benefit our community? Are we building organizational capacity?
"The core practices of Catalytic Philanthropy contribute significantly to setting the stage for a more substantial philanthropic impact. An engaged, connected, hands-on approach provides invaluable insights, builds personal relationships, and increases empathy and understanding. At the foundation, we continue the practice of spending the majority of our time outside of the office to learn from our community stakeholders and create trusting relationships with our partners."
— Tina Kimbrough, Executive Director, The Nord Family FoundationAs you continue your catalytic journey, these core practices will guide and shape your work. Take time to routinely reflect on these practices and embrace opportunities to build them into your philanthropy.
- Ask key decision makers: Do we have a clear enough focus to develop genuine expertise? What would it take to become truly knowledgeable in our areas of funding?
- Review your last 12 months of grants: what percentage were multiyear? What percentage were general operating support?
- Schedule a conversation specifically about equity: how are your internal policies, hiring practices, and board composition reflecting your values?
- The 2026 FOMR found that 63% of foundations have streamlined grant applications and 55% have simplified reporting — explore the full Core Practices data.
- Read Exponent Philanthropy's publication on How Lean Funders Build Stronger Relationships With Grantees.
- Attend an Exponent Philanthropy program on equity-centered grantmaking.