Fueling Our Commitment: Reflections from the 2025 Exponent Philanthropy Conference

This year’s Exponent Philanthropy conference was nothing short of energizing. We returned feeling reconnected to our purpose, inspired by our peers, and deeply grateful to be part of a philanthropic community grounded in trust, courage, and shared learning. In a time when many communities face increasing complexity and uncertainty, gathering in person with fellow funders felt both grounding and essential.

Nearly 500 philanthropic leaders came together to reflect on how we can show up more thoughtfully and more effectively in our work. What resonated most was the collective commitment to people first philanthropy and the recognition that real impact is shaped not only by what we fund, but by how we listen, learn, and build relationships.

Community at the Center

The conference created space for honest dialogue and meaningful connection. From plenary conversations to small group sessions, there was a strong emphasis on humility, curiosity, and shared responsibility. Funders spoke openly about challenges, lessons learned, and the importance of staying close to the communities we seek to support.

We were especially inspired by stories of leadership rooted in empathy and equity. Hearing from peers who are practicing values driven philanthropy reinforced our belief that thoughtful, human centered approaches can create lasting and outsized impact.

Learning That Translates Into Action

The sessions themselves were both practical and aspirational. Topics ranged from communication strategies for lean teams to navigating shifting social and legal landscapes, to exploring catalytic leadership models that encourage funders to move beyond transactions toward true partnership.

What made these conversations powerful was their relevance. The ideas shared were grounded in real world experience and designed to be applied immediately, regardless of a foundation’s size or structure.

We were particularly grateful for the opportunity to learn more about how funders can responsibly and effectively support non partisan voter engagement. These conversations deepened our understanding of the role philanthropy can play in strengthening civic participation and protecting democratic processes. We left with greater clarity, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility around how to engage in this work thoughtfully.

Connecting with peers who are navigating similar questions strengthened our confidence and resolve. We look forward to taking our first steps in supporting democracy in ways that are aligned with our values and grounded in respect for community led efforts.

The Power of Connection

Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the formal sessions. Conversations over meals, hallway exchanges, and informal discussions created space to build relationships and share candid insights. These moments reminded us that philanthropy is, at its core, relational work.

Carrying the Momentum Forward

We return from this conference with renewed clarity and energy. The experience reaffirmed our commitment to equity, proximity, and partnership, and it challenged us to continue evolving how we support organizations and communities.

We are grateful to Exponent Philanthropy for creating a space that fosters courage, connection, and thoughtful leadership. The insights and relationships we gained will continue to shape our work, and we look forward to carrying this momentum forward alongside a community that believes deeply in the power of listening, learning, and leading with care.