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.

To conclude Equity First, a four-part virtual speaker series launched by Cross Keys-based Associated Black Charities (ABC), the local nonprofit has saved, perhaps its most famous guest, for last.

Half of Maryland jobs are in small businesses--most now shut down in the pandemic, like the rest of the economy.  We talk with Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz to hear about