- by Dien S Yuen
The philanthropy field is now so popular that new studies are coming out almost every week. Three studies were released in the past several weeks that I think are worthwhile to take a look at. First, corporate foundation giving will decline in 2009 so nonprofits that are working on their 2009 budgets now should take this reduction of revenue stream into consideration. Second, a study of giving circles and how it impacts giving and civic engagement was released. Since giving circles are social vehicles, it was not suprising that those that participate in giving circles have a higher engagement with their communities. However, more research on giving circles and how they impact communities like the Asian American community is still needed. Third, women play a prominent role in philanthropic decisions and not surprisngly - are much more open to receiving advice on their giving. As I come across more philanthropic research that affects our community in the future, I will be sure to share it with you.
* Corporate foundation giving will decline in 2009: Foundation Center's Key Facts on Corporate Foundations found that U.S. giving by 2,500 corporate foundations remained "virtually unchanged in 2008". Giving totaled an estimated $4.4 billion last year. However, 2009 will see declines as banking and finance industries account for about one-quarter of corporate foundation support. 51% said that they expect to reduce their giving this year, with three-quarters of these funders anticipating decreases of more than 10%. Education is the number one focus of corporate foundations followed by public affairs/society benefit and human services. The Northeast and Midwest account for the largest shares of corporate foundation giving.
* How giving circles impact on giving and civic engagement: Released by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, “The Impact of Giving Together” specifically examines the impact of giving circles on members’ giving and civic engagement. Giving circle members say they give more and give in more strategic ways than other donors. They are highly engaged in their communities and more likely to give to a greater number of organizations, compared to other donors. Giving circle members are more likely than other donors to give to areas less often funded by organized philanthropy, such as to organizations serving women and girls, ethnic and minority groups, and for arts, culture and ethnic awareness.
* Women play a prominent role in philanthropy: The Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund study — which looked at the giving behaviors and attitudes of more than 1,000 adults who donated at least $1,000 in 2007 and a subset that gave over $5,000 that year — reveals key insights about high-income women and their giving tendencies. Women with annual household incomes of at least $150,000 are more likely to give publicly rather than anonymously. They are more likely to use giving vehicles and use securities for donations. They also want guidance from a financial advisor regarding charitable giving. The study also classified them into four main categories based on their responses: mainstream contributors, empathetic givers, reactive contributors and pioneering givers. A very interesting read for those wanting to work with women as donors.
