Our Resource Library

This annual report by Foundation Source offers a comprehensive analysis of giving and investment trends among nearly 1,000 private foundations. In 2022, these foundations awarded 31,373 grants totaling $865 million—a 14.7% increase in dollars granted over the previous year. The average grant size rose to $28,000, and foundations distributed an average of 6.6% of their assets, surpassing the 5% minimum requirement. The report also highlights a significant increase in funding to non-501(c)(3) organizations and provides insights into asset allocations and sector-specific giving trends.

Published by the National Philanthropic Trust, this 18th annual report offers a comprehensive analysis of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in the United States. Drawing on data from 1,140 charitable sponsors, the report highlights key trends from fiscal year 2023, including a 21.7% decrease in contributions to DAFs, totaling $59.43 billion, and a steady grantmaking amount of $54.77 billion to qualified charitable organizations. Despite the decline in contributions, total charitable assets in DAFs increased by nearly 10% to $251.52 billion, reflecting the resilience and continued growth of this philanthropic vehicle.

Published by Philanthropy Northwest, this guide offers practical insights for foundations interested in investing in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). It outlines how CDFIs pool capital from multiple investors to make community impact loans, emphasizing the value of deep local knowledge and relationships. The guide serves as a resource for foundations seeking to align their investments with community development goals.

A program of Alliance for Justice, Bolder Advocacy (AFJ/BA) equips nonprofits and foundations with the tools to navigate advocacy and civic engagement. They provide legal guidance, training, and resources to support public policy work.

AAPIP is a national membership organization dedicated to expanding and mobilizing philanthropic and community resources for underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Through regional chapters and national initiatives, AAPIP fosters leadership development, advocacy, and network building to advance equity and justice in philanthropy.

ABFE is a national membership organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities. Through research, convenings, and capacity-building initiatives, ABFE supports funders in centering racial equity across their grantmaking.

Candid provides trusted data, research, and tools to support the social sector. Formed by the merger of Foundation Center and GuideStar, Candid offers insights into philanthropy, nonprofit trends, and funding flows across the globe.

CDP helps funders maximize the impact of disaster-related giving by promoting equity, effectiveness, and long-term recovery. Through research, advisory services, and educational resources, CDP supports strategic philanthropy before, during, and after crises—shifting the focus from immediate relief to lasting resilience.

CHANGE Philanthropy is a coalition of identity- and issue-based philanthropic networks working to advance equity, community voice, and justice in philanthropy. Their collective efforts shift power and expand inclusion across the sector.

Developed by the Raqim Foundation and PhilanthropyNow, this comprehensive checklist offers guidance for organizations engaging in disaster response efforts. It emphasizes the importance of needs assessment, local partnerships, and culturally appropriate aid. The checklist covers key areas such as supply chain logistics, vendor selection, and communication strategies, aiming to enhance coordination and effectiveness in humanitarian actions. It serves as a valuable tool for funders and nonprofits seeking to support disaster-affected communities responsibly.​

CECP is a coalition of corporate leaders committed to advancing social impact through business. They provide benchmarking, strategy support, and peer learning to align corporate values with community investment.

The Community Foundations National Standards (CFNS) program offers an accreditation process that establishes legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations across the United States. By meeting 26 rigorous standards, accredited foundations demonstrate their commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence in philanthropy. The program, administered by the Community Foundations National Standards Board with support from the Council on Foundations, provides a framework for operational integrity and public trust.

COF is a national association of grantmakers that offers legal expertise, advocacy, and sector-wide resources. Their work supports effective, ethical, and community-centered philanthropy.

This guide from Candid explores how funders can engage in participatory grantmaking by ceding decision-making power to the communities they aim to serve. It provides insights into the benefits, challenges, and models of participatory grantmaking, offering practical guidance for funders interested in adopting more inclusive and equitable practices. ​

This comprehensive resource page from the Council on Foundations offers guidance for philanthropic organizations involved in disaster response and recovery. It includes legal compliance information, best practices, and case studies to help funders navigate the complexities of disaster philanthropy effectively. The page serves as a valuable tool for foundations seeking to provide timely and impactful support during crises.

An initiative of CHANGE Philanthropy, the DAPP Survey collects demographic data across the philanthropic sector to benchmark diversity, identify gaps, and support greater accountability in advancing equity.

Equity in Philanthropy is a dedicated platform offering resources to support philanthropic organizations in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into their practices. The site features a range of tools, including checklists, case studies, and strategic frameworks, aimed at guiding funders toward more equitable and inclusive grantmaking. It serves as a valuable resource for those committed to advancing equity within the philanthropic sector.​

Exponent Philanthropy supports lean funders—those who operate with few or no staff—by offering resources, community, and leadership development. Their work helps funders maximize impact regardless of size.

Fund for Shared Insight is a national funder collaborative working to improve philanthropy by elevating the voices of those least heard. Their resources and initiatives promote listening, feedback, and more equitable relationships between funders and communities.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues works to increase the scale and impact of philanthropic resources aimed at LGBTQ communities. They offer research, advocacy, and convenings that strengthen equity and inclusion in grantmaking.

Published by Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), this report provides annual benchmarking on corporate social investments, employee engagement, and business alignment with corporate purpose. Drawing on data from 219 global companies, the 2024 edition highlights continued growth in community and environmental investments and explores the connection between purpose-driven strategy and financial performance.

GEO supports grantmakers in aligning their practices with their values—emphasizing trust, equity, and learning. Their frameworks and peer-led insights help funders strengthen relationships and shift systems for deeper, lasting change.

Authored by Rinku Sen and Lori Villarosa, this guide from the Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity (PRE) offers actionable strategies for funders seeking to move beyond racial equity toward racial justice. It provides frameworks and tools to help foundations align their practices with a racial justice vision, including guidance on power building, structural transformation, and community accountability. The guide is designed for grantmakers committed to embedding racial justice principles into every aspect of their work.​

HIP is a transnational network of funders committed to social justice and equity for Latinx communities. Through collaborative funding, leadership programs, and advocacy, HIP works to build power and shift resources where they’re most needed.

Developed by The ImPact, this primer offers family foundations a comprehensive guide to aligning their investment strategies with their philanthropic missions. It explores how to leverage the full spectrum of a foundation’s assets—including both grantmaking and endowment investments—to achieve measurable social and environmental outcomes. The guide provides practical insights into impact investing, program-related investments (PRIs), and mission-aligned investment approaches, empowering families to activate more of their capital for meaningful change.

This comprehensive guide by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors offers a practical roadmap for individuals, families, foundations, and corporations aiming to align their investments with social and environmental impact goals. Authored by Steven Godeke and Patrick Briaud, the handbook covers the “why,” “how,” “so what,” and “now what” of impact investing, providing frameworks, case studies, and actionable tools to help asset owners turn interest into action.

IS brings together nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs to advance the common good. They focus on public policy, research, and cross-sector leadership that strengthens the broader nonprofit ecosystem.

This IRS resource page offers comprehensive guidance for charitable organizations and donors involved in disaster relief efforts. It includes information on providing assistance through existing or newly formed charities, tax implications for donors, and compliance requirements for organizations. The page also links to relevant publications, such as Publication 3833, and offers online training modules to help organizations navigate the complexities of disaster relief operations. ​

This report, a collaboration between the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and Candid, analyzes philanthropic disaster giving in 2022. It reveals that only 1.4% of total philanthropic giving—approximately $1.7 billion—was directed toward disaster-related efforts. While funding for recovery and reconstruction increased compared to previous years, the report highlights the ongoing need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and long-term resilience. It serves as a critical resource for funders aiming to enhance the impact and equity of their disaster-related giving. ​

Mission Investors Exchange is the leading impact investing network for foundations, philanthropic asset owners, and their partners dedicated to deploying capital for social and environmental change. With over 250 member organizations, MIE provides resources, inspiration, and connections that help organizations increase the scale and impact of their impact investing work. Members come to MIE and each other for best practices, new investment opportunities, deal partnerships, and innovations in impact investing around the world.

NCFP equips family foundations and donors with tools to navigate governance, transitions, and strategic giving. Their resources help families collaborate across generations and deepen their impact in community.

NAP promotes equitable and effective philanthropy in Indigenous communities. Their work centers Native voices and leadership while guiding the sector toward more inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

PEAK is a member-led community of grants management professionals focused on improving how grants get made. Through standards, learning, and leadership, PEAK helps funders strengthen effectiveness and equity in grantmaking operations.

PRE provides resources, frameworks, and strategic guidance to help philanthropy advance racial equity. Their publications and programs support deep learning, organizational change, and field-level impact.

This comprehensive self-assessment toolkit by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) assists foundations in evaluating how effectively they are building, sharing, and wielding power to advance equity and justice. It offers practical exercises, reflection prompts, and resources to help funders align their strategies and operations with the principles of equitable grantmaking. The guide encourages intentional practices that foster transparency, community engagement, and systemic change. ​NCRP -+4NCRP -+4NCRP -+4

This report, produced by Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group, examines the significant funding disparities faced by nonprofit leaders of color. It highlights how systemic biases in philanthropic practices result in leaders of color receiving less funding than their white counterparts, despite comparable qualifications and impact. The report calls for funders to adopt more equitable practices, including intentional investment in organizations led by people of color, to ensure a more just and effective philanthropic sector.​

A comprehensive online resource hub designed to support individuals and organizations working to advance racial equity. The site offers tools, research, frameworks, and strategies to deepen learning and drive action toward systemic change.

Published by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), this comprehensive roadmap outlines a strategic vision to integrate social and environmental considerations into all investment decisions. It identifies six key categories of action—Identity, Behavior and Expectations, Products, Tools and Services, Education and Training, and Policy and Regulation—to guide the expansion and effectiveness of impact investing. The roadmap serves as a call to action for investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders to collaborate in reshaping financial markets for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This action planner from PEAK Grantmaking offers a practical roadmap for funders aiming to embed equity throughout the grantmaking process. It provides guidance on identifying and reducing bias at each stage—from application design to funding decisions—and emphasizes the importance of collecting and utilizing demographic data to inform equitable practices. The resource encourages intentional reflection and actionable steps to support under-resourced communities effectively.

TAG works at the intersection of philanthropy and technology, helping funders build more equitable, data-informed, and secure systems. Their tools, communities of practice, and learning opportunities support foundations in leveraging tech for greater impact.

This guide from the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project outlines six core practices designed to foster more equitable and effective funding relationships. By emphasizing multi-year unrestricted funding, streamlined processes, transparency, and responsive support, the guide offers actionable steps for funders aiming to build trust and share power with grantees. It’s a practical resource for those seeking to align their grantmaking with values of equity and mutual accountability. ​

Developed by Alliance for Justice, this guide outlines the legal ways private and public foundations can engage in and support advocacy efforts. It covers grantmaking strategies, board engagement, and effective communication—all within the bounds of IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) entities.

This comprehensive report by the Black Social Change Funders Network (BSCFN), a project of ABFE and the Hill-Snowdon Foundation, presents a compelling argument for increased philanthropic investment in Black-led social change. It addresses the roots of anti-Black racism, the necessity of supporting Black-led organizations, and actionable steps for philanthropy to strengthen the infrastructure of Black social, institutional, and political power. The report serves as a strategic guide for funders committed to advancing racial equity and justice. ​

Conducted by the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP), this third iteration of the Trends report captures emerging issues and evolving practices in family philanthropy. Based on data collected in 2024, the report examines shifts in funding priorities, governance structures, and decision-making approaches among U.S.-based philanthropic families. It serves as a valuable resource for donors seeking to align their philanthropic strategies with current trends and community needs.

The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project (TBPP) is a collaborative initiative that promotes a more equitable and responsive approach to funding. By encouraging humility, transparency, and multi-year, unrestricted support, TBPP offers guidance and tools for building trust-based relationships between funders and grantees.

The Forum is a national network of regional and issue-based philanthropy-serving organizations (like WPN), advancing the effectiveness of philanthropy through advocacy, research, and collaborative learning.

This article from PEAK Grantmaking emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing disaggregated demographic data to advance equity in grantmaking. It outlines practical steps for funders to understand the demographics of the communities they serve, ensuring that funding strategies align with diversity, equity, and inclusion values. The piece also highlights the role of grants managers in creating indicators and tracking data to assess and improve equitable outcomes. ​

This reflective worksheet explores characteristics of white dominant culture and offers alternative values and behaviors to build more equitable and inclusive organizational practices.

Created by Tema Okun and collaborators, this evolving site expands on the original 1999 article about white supremacy culture. It outlines cultural characteristics, offers antidotes, and provides tools for organizations seeking to dismantle systemic inequities in their practices.

Commissioned by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and conducted by P3 Development Group, this report examines the landscape of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Wisconsin. It identifies systemic gaps in funding, leadership, and rural access, and offers recommendations to strengthen the CDFI ecosystem. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in new leadership, advancing collective action, and building equity to enhance the capacity and sustainability of CDFIs, particularly in underserved communities.

Developed by the Wisconsin Impact Investing Collaborative (WI3C), this guide serves as a practical roadmap for investors aiming to align their capital with community impact across Wisconsin’s urban, rural, and tribal areas. It offers step-by-step guidance on designing an impact investing strategy, establishing governance policies, managing portfolios, and fostering collaboration. The guide features real-world examples from Wisconsin-based foundations and mission-driven investors, providing actionable insights for those interested in place-based impact investing.

WFN is a global alliance of women’s funds and foundations focused on gender equity and justice. They connect members with resources, data, and strategies to shift power and drive systemic change.