Exchange Philosophy
In traditional philanthropy there are underlying power dynamics between grantmakers and nonprofits. More often than not, these dynamics undermine, rather than further, common aspirations.
We view our grant partners as experts. We combine their skills with the knowledge of scholars, the experiences of the people served, and our own research. Together, we form a strategy and approach to a problem. The Exchange model and philosophy optimizes the contributions of all parties as they work towards common goals.
Exchange Philosophy
In traditional philanthropy there are underlying power dynamics between grantmakers and nonprofits. More often than not, these dynamics undermine, rather than further, common aspirations.
We view our grant partners as experts. We combine their skills with the knowledge of scholars, the experiences of the people served, and our own research. Together, we form a strategy and approach to a problem. The Exchange model and philosophy optimizes the contributions of all parties as they work towards common goals.
Four Principles
Exchange with grant partners
We view our partners as frontline experts and learn from them, as well as alongside them. We strive to simplify grant applications and reporting so that the nonprofits we support can focus on what they do best: preparing youth to thrive. Rather than imposing our agendas upon the organizations we fund, we find likeminded partners and offer support—both financial and strategic—to take promising work to the next level.
Exchange among grant partners
When we launch a program, we position it as a Challenge to the best and the brightest in the field. We develop a nonprofit community that works together to seek answers to a critical question. New partners form a cohort that collectively commits to addressing whatever challenge is on the table. We regularly convene cohort members to share common obstacles, successes, and lessons learned. Through this community of practice, each partner gains the opportunity to learn from the others. We strive to share these lessons with the field at large.
Exchange with funders
When grantmakers and nonprofits work together, we achieve greater impact. We partner with the funder community to advance a comprehensive approach to learning and development. We advocate for more candid philanthropic relationships where funders recognize their partners’ expertise. This makes it easier—not harder—for on-the-ground nonprofit leaders to pursue their missions and achieve impact.
Exchange with the field
We don’t ask nonprofits to send us extensive reports that only we will read. Instead, we take what we learn from our grant partners and collaboratively create resources with potential to benefit researchers and practitioners alike. When we select partners, we prioritize cutting-edge models that can catalyze field-level change. We aspire to become a hub for ideas, people, services, and innovation; funding is just one part of the process.