Over the past two years, nonprofits have navigated funding freezes and cuts, executive orders targeting DEI, and mounting scrutiny of equity-focused work. Despite the pressure, lean foundations are largely holding fast on their racial equity commitments. Our 2026 report, Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: Holding Fast in Uncertain Times, draws on survey data and interviews to show where lean funders stand today and offers practical guidance for moving forward.

What's Inside

• Board and Staff Demographics showing how representation shapes a foundation's approach to racial equity
• Grantmaking and Nongrant Strategies lean funders use to support their equity work, from multiyear flexible funding to grantee collaboration
• Governance, Administrative, and Investment Practices lean funders are using to align their work with their equity values
• Examples and Insights from lean funders across the country

Why It Matters

Some funders are adjusting their language to navigate a shifting legal and political landscape, but they aren't changing their values. This report meets foundations where they are and offers next steps.