As private wealth for public good, philanthropy is intended to contribute positively to social welfare, solving society’s most pressing problems, and, in general, making the world a better place. Basic information about the field is essential so that the media, researchers, nonprofits, and foundations themselves have a solid understanding of the scale and potential of philanthropy. But the public cares most about the issues and causes that motivate them in their daily lives, and it is essential that they see philanthropy as relevant to their concerns. While writing on philanthropy frequently covers topics like donor intent, payout, or direct charitable expenditures, the news that attracts wide public attention is filled with reporting on immigration, climate change, unemployment, terrorism, or economic policy.
The Foundation Center has the data, research capacity, and communication resources to meet these broad-ranging information needs. Whether it is fulfilling our traditional role as the trusted resource for accurate information on philanthropy or telling the story of how foundations and nonprofits are responding to the latest crisis or disaster, going beyond the data and bringing knowledge to the fore is something we are well positioned to do.
GOALS
Facts, analysis, and opinion to inform public discourse
- Web portals on philanthropy’s work on major issues facing society and the world
- A rapid-fire “Philanthropy and . . .” series communicating how foundations are working on hot topics being discussed in the news today
- Expansion of PhilanTopic, our other blogs, and social media tools as vehicles for thought leadership in the field
In-depth research
- Special reports on foundation giving covering topics such as social justice, international grantmaking, human rights, funding for women and girls, and diversity
- Grantmaker Leadership Panel surveys reporting the views of a cross-section of 228 foundation CEOs on issues crucial to philanthropy
Sector-wide information on the basic trends in the field
- Annual studies of asset and giving levels
- Periodic studies of giving by major subject areas (e.g., education, health, the arts) or governance issues
- Interactive online tools and downloadable data to increase the reach and use of this information
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