Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy

Philanthropy has always excelled when it listens, learns, and evolves to meet the needs of the communities it serves. In recent years, lean funders have increasingly recognized that racial equity is not an optional add-on to their work; it is central to their mission regardless of the focus area. Exponent Philanthropy's 2025 publication, “Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy,” delves into how foundations are incorporating racial equity into their work to drive better decisions, achieve more equitable outcomes, and amplify their philanthropic impact.

 

Engaging in racial equity work in 2025 is more complicated—and more urgent—than ever. In a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape, guidance that seems sound one day may be contested or outdated the next. Lean funders across the country are grappling with how to stay true to their values while navigating growing external scrutiny and pressure. Grounded in both quantitative data and lived experiences to help lean funders navigate this complexity in real time, this publication is a snapshot of where lean foundations stand today.

 

Click here to download the report.

Source: Exponent Philanthropy