January 2025 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 700 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.
The Giving Environment: Giving During Times of Uncertainty: Data on U.S. Household Giving in 2020
IUPUI Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (2024)
To examine recent giving trends, the authors analyzed longitudinal data from the Philanthropy Panel Study (PPS), a biannual survey of household giving behaviors, to compare pre-pandemic periods to the pivotal first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report quantifies shifts in overall giving rates and average giving amounts while also identifying key drivers of altered giving behavior. This research also uncovers how pandemic factors – such as social distancing mandates, economic loss, and COVID-19 related morbidity/mortality – affected giving patterns. Data showed that giving rates declined from 50 percent in 2018 to 46.9 percent in 2020, following the onset of the pandemic. Those households that continued to give, however, did so in increased amounts. Additionally, giving rates during the pandemic declined more significantly among individuals who were frequent donors before the pandemic compared to those who gave less often.
Mental Health at the Center: U.S. Funding Landscape
Mindful Philanthropy (2024)
This publication is the third in a multi-part series intended to guide funders in navigating the complex landscape and to activate impactful funding in mental health, addiction, and well-being. Among the key findings, the report shares that while foundation support for mental health has grown in recent years, the level of giving remains far below needed amounts. Funders are increasingly interested in supporting systems change and field-building efforts as a way of addressing mental health challenges. Funders are also seeking more collaborative opportunities to give, particularly focused on targeted regions or issues of interest.
How to Talk Bridgey: Lessons and Takeaways from PACE's 2023-2024 Civic Language Perceptions Project
Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (2024)
PACE’s Civic Language Perceptions Project seeks to understand people’s perceptions of the language associated with civic engagement and democracy work. How To Talk Bridgey is a guide for Americans that shares lessons on how to use civic terms in a way that the broadest possible audience will connect to it. PACE worked with Citizen Data to survey a nationally representative sample of 5,033 American registered voters in November 2023. From the analysis of this survey data, PACE was able to rate the "bridgyness" of certain words and provide recommendations on terminology that can help individuals and institutions connect with a broader audience while avoiding polarizing language.
Community Engaged Grantmaking: A Guide for Donors and Foundations
Bold Ventures (2024)
This guide offers a structured approach to democratizing philanthropy by outlining a spectrum of community engagement - from informing communities of grantmaking opportunities to community-driven decision-making through democratic participation. The guide explores five distinct models of community engagement that help donors and foundations ensure that the voices of those most impacted by social challenges are central to the grantmaking process. Also included are case studies of funders and initiatives following the models outlined in the publication.
Trends 2025: Results of the Third National Benchmark Survey of Family Foundations
National Center for Family Philanthropy (2024)
The Trends report captures and tracks leading trends in the field of family philanthropy. Conducted every five years, this research identifies emerging issues, changes in funding priorities and governance practices, innovative approaches to giving and decision making, and anticipated future giving patterns and practices among U.S.-based philanthropic families nationally. Emerging trends discussed in this latest report include the lessening influence of donors and family members, reduced burden on grantees in terms of application and reporting requirements, and more foundations taking steps to expand beyond grantmaking to become active learning institutions. Looking to the future, the authors anticipate growth in family foundation assets, a modest increase in the number of foundation staff, some increased payout, and greater interest in impact/mission investing.
