In today’s complex philanthropic landscape, traditional grantmaking often falls short of addressing deep-rooted societal challenges, which is where catalytic leadership in philanthropy comes in. Many funders devote most of their time to making grants rather than tackling the systems and structures that sustain these problems.

What Is Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy?

Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a values-driven approach that reimagines how lean funders, those with fewer staff and leaner infrastructures, can create lasting, systemic change. It leverages a foundation’s relationships, non-grant assets, and proven practices, prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, and deep understanding of community dynamics over transactional, bureaucratic processes.

Rethinking Traditional Grantmaking

At its core, CLIP shifts funders from being distant financial contributors to active, engaged partners. This relationship-driven approach empowers lean funders to become more than grantmakers. They become catalysts for systemic change, building genuine partnerships with grantees and communities. By breaking down traditional power imbalances, funders and grantees work as co-creators. Together, they aim for lasting social impact and stronger communities.

Skills, Practices, and Deeper Understanding

CLIP is built on leadership virtues that support a series of key skills and core practices. These help funders develop a deep, personal understanding of the issues they care about. With this insight, funders can leverage catalysts to promote broad, systemic change that extends far beyond what grants alone can accomplish.

The Virtues of Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy

What sets CLIP apart are its four Leadership Virtues: humility, passion, curiosity, and patience. Modeled by creative, pioneering lean funders in Exponent Philanthropy’s community, these virtues inspire funders to lead with open minds and hearts, listening deeply to the communities they serve.

  • Humility – Acknowledges personal limitations and values the expertise of others, building a strong foundation for effective philanthropy.
  • Passion – Drives catalytic leaders to tackle pressing societal issues, engaging deeply in the causes they believe in rather than simply writing checks.
  • Curiosity – Encourages funders to think creatively, seek fresh perspectives, and pursue innovative solutions to complex problems.

Read the full article about catalytic leadership in philanthropy by Brendan McCormick at Exponent Philanthropy.