July 2024 Research Update: Highlights from Recent Reports in the Field
Philanthropy Southeast’s online Research Library is regularly updated with the latest reports relevant to Southern philanthropy. Members can browse over 500 research reports, websites, case studies, and other resources we have cultivated to help funders stay abreast of trends in the field and learn about emerging best practices in philanthropy.
Below are some of the key findings and highlights of the newest additions to the Research Library. If you would like to suggest a resource or have other feedback, contact Stephen Sherman, Philanthropy Southeast’s Director of Research and Data, at stephen@philanthropysoutheast.org or (404) 524-0911.
Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Trust with Deeper Stories and Clear Language
Council on Foundations, Center for Public Interest Communications (2024)
This report examines the lack of a clear narrative about what the philanthropic sector does and how this impacts Americans' views of foundations and their work. Based on a multi-method approach including a survey of more than 3,500 Americans and interviews with practitioners, this study found that despite generally positive perceptions of foundations, most Americans don't have a good understanding of the role of the charitable sector in their lives. The study shows a need for a shared narrative around the work of foundations and better transparency from funders to demonstrate how philanthropy works. The authors provide a set of six recommendations for foundations and philanthropy to build more trust and promote a more positive narrative around the sector.
A Guide to Meaningfully Engaging Next-Generation Adults in Your Philanthropy
National Center for Family Philanthropy (2024)
This guide is intended to help family philanthropies engage in an inclusive and thoughtful invitation and onboarding process that builds on existing expertise and expands the family’s philanthropy by bringing in new voices, distinct perspectives, and deep knowledge. One of the most important moments in the life of a family’s philanthropy is when the those who are currently managing the efforts formally welcome members of the next generation – or generations – into the work. Drawing upon insights from a series of interviews with the Frey Foundation, the authors provide guidance around three key themes: laying the groundwork, completing effective onboarding, and continuing to grow together.
State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know
Center for Effective Philanthropy (2024)
This yearly survey is based on CEP’s Nonprofit Voice Project, a panel of U.S. nonprofits that is representative of the national landscape of nonprofits receiving at least some foundation funding. A primary objective of the panel is to help funders, both individual and institutional, better understand the nonprofit experience so they can more effectively support the organizations they fund. The 2024 study finds that burnout – for both nonprofit staff and leadership – remains a top concern for most nonprofit leaders. Finances have largely stabilized, as most nonprofits experienced either a balanced budget or a surplus in the most recently completed fiscal year. Lastly, the majority of nonprofit leaders surveyed report that funders are maintaining or making new commitments to change their grantmaking practices, including reducing funding restrictions or streamlining processes.
Funding Rural Futures: A Call to Action
Aspen Institute (2024)
Although approximately one-fifth of Americans live in rural areas, only about 7 percent of foundation giving reaches these areas. Compounding the problem, most funding from philanthropy and government is in the form of loans and restricted grants, rather than more flexible general operating support. Given these challenges, the Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT) commissioned the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group to conduct an Action-Learning Exchange (ALE) to better understand what it will take to make more flexible and responsive funding to organizations serving rural regions. This report is the result of that process and identifies a set of recommended principles for funders seeking to invest in rural communities in a more effective and lasting manner.
2022 Resource Tracking Report: LGBTQ Grantmaking by U.S. Foundations
Funders for LGBTQ Issues (2024)
This report offers an overview of foundation funding in support of LGTBQ communities and issues for calendar year 2022. The report documents 6,110 grants awarded by 903 funders for a total of $258.1 million in 2022. This figure represented a new high in terms of current dollars, but when adjusted for inflation represented a decline from the prior year. Funding for LGBTQ communities in the U.S. Southeast decreased by 12 percent in 2022, in spite of escalating right-wing attacks targeting LGBTQ community members in the region and a surge of community-led organizing and activism in response. The report includes further analysis of funding by support type, recipient population, subject focus, and grantmaker type.
