Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy  

Racial equity is essential to effective philanthropy, and lean foundations—those with few or no staff—are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. Our 2025 publication, Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Staying the Course Toward Inclusive Philanthropy, offers a clear snapshot of how foundations are incorporating racial equity into their work to make better decisions, achieve more equitable outcomes, and strengthen their philanthropic impact.

What’s Inside

• A Deep Dive into the current landscape of lean foundation leadership and how it correlates with a foundation’s views on racial equity.
• Grantmaking and Nongrant Strategies that lean funders use to support their racial equity work.
• Examples and Insights from lean funders across the country

Why It Matters

Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent across every aspect of society, from education and health outcomes to economic security. Lean foundations can lead the way by understanding how race and racism shape inequities, staying true to their values, and channeling resources where they’re needed most—helping ensure every community thrives.