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Strategic decisions are only as good as the research that goes into making them. Candid's researchers analyze and interpret the most current philanthropic data so you can tap into it. Hundreds of full-text reports published over decades are available to download here in our frequently updated open access repository.

Also available: a collection of reports that use Candid data. Access the Candid data in the field library.

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U.S. Household Disaster Giving in 2017 and 2018

May 21, 2019

In 2017, the U.S. experienced the costliest year of major natural disasters on record; 2018 was the fourth costliest year. In this two-year period, how many Americans donated to disaster aid and how much? What are the main drivers for disaster giving? Does giving to disaster aid come at the expense of other causes? Based on new data on American household giving, this forthcoming research brief answers questions about the patterns, preferences, and practices of individual charitable giving for disaster aid.

Assessing the Need for a Nationwide Community Foundation CEO Network

September 20, 2018

In partnership with a group of community foundation leaders, CF Insights conducted a field-wide survey of community foundation CEOs to determine the strength of demand for their own formalized, unified network, which would allow them to connect to each other on issues relevant to chief executives from across the community foundation field. This report examines the results.

Funding Indigenous Peoples: Strategies for Support

November 6, 2015

In "Funding Indigenous Peoples: Strategies for Support," we look at how funders collaborate with and bring support to indigenous communities around the world. Through examples from a diverse range of foundations, we will explore how grantmakers work with indigenous peoples, the approaches they take, and the practices they find effective. This guide relies on information from over 25 interviews, a GrantCraft survey, and existing resources. A definitions page offers explanation of key terms in the report. Information derived from historic events or other published work is compiled in the closing section.

Taking Measure: Key Facts on Georgia Grantmaking Trends 2015 Edition

April 1, 2015

This report includes selected findings from surveys conducted in 2014 of Georgia-based foundations and nonprofits assessing the grantmaking practices of the state's foundations.

Regional trends

Use of Consultants by U.S. Foundations: Results of A Foundation Center Survey

March 31, 2015

This article presents the results of a survey launched in January 2014 by Foundation Center, in collaboration with the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, examining use of consultants by community, corporate, and independent foundations whose annual giving totals at least $100,000.The survey asked funders to report whether they used consultants in the past two years and, if so, how frequently and for what purposes; they were also asked to report their level of satisfaction with consultants' work. Funders that did not engage consultants in the last two years were asked why not. The survey also sought open-ended responses about working with consultants.The survey found widespread use of consultants among foundations. While the results of this study tend to emphasize the benefits -- taking advantage of external expertise, allowing staff to stay focused on what they do best, bringing fresh or neutral perspectives to the work -- respondents were also clear that working with consultants has its challenges.

Special topic trends

Foundation Leaders Address the State Budget Crises

September 1, 2011

Nearly ninety percent of America's largest foundations report that at least some of the nonprofit organizations they support have been severely affected by state budget cuts. One-quarter report having grantees that have been forced to suspend operations. Foundation Leaders Address the State Budget Crises is the latest report in a series based on surveys of our Grantmaker Leadership Panel and also includes an essay, "How Grantmakers Can Respond to the State Budget Crises," by Doug Bauer, executive director of New York's Clark Foundation.

National trends; Special topic trends

Moving Beyond the Economic Crisis: Foundations Assess the Impact and Their Response

November 18, 2010

Presents survey findings on foundations' outlook for 2010-11 giving compared with estimates and views on their ability to meet nonprofit needs. Examines the effects of the economic crisis on grantmaking priorities, operations, and decisions to spend down.

Special topic trends

Foundation Leaders Divided on Legislation, Survey Finds

October 1, 2010

In recent years, the field of philanthropy has been the subject of a number of research studies, reports on "best practices," and at least two state-level legislative initiatives. In July 2010, the Foundation Center surveyed members of its Grantmaker Leadership Panel to gauge the reaction of foundation leaders to such developments. Completed surveys were received from 73 of 228 current Panel members, for a response rate of 32 percent.

National trends

Are Foundation Leaders Using Social Media?

September 16, 2010

All it takes is a quick visit to Glasspockets.org to see just how fast and how far foundations have come in terms of using social media. As of August 2010, the web site had documented the Web 2.0 activities of more than 650 foundations, including 271 that are active on Facebook, 190 on Twitter, 102 with blogs, and 93 on YouTube. While such statistics provide clear evidence that foundations are actively using social media, just how engaged are the leaders of foundations themselves with these new communications tools? In July 2010, the Foundation Center surveyed members of its Grantmaker Leadership Panel in order to find out. Completed surveys were received from 73 of 228 current Panel members, for a response rate of 32 percent.

Special topic trends

Earthquake in Haiti: Leading U.S. Foundations Respond to the Crisis

January 22, 2010

In the immediate aftermath of the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti, the Foundation Center surveyed members of its Grantmaker Leadership Panel to gauge the reaction of top U.S. funders to the unfolding crisis. Findings suggest that a number of leading funders are considering a direct response to the crisis, with a primary focus on providing emergency assistance.

Special topic trends

Foundations' Year-end Outlook for Giving and the Sector

November 4, 2009

Foundation giving will likely decline by more than 10 percent in 2009 according to survey findings released by the Foundation Center. Based on responses of close to 600 foundations, Foundations' Year-end Outlook for Giving and the Sector also finds that continued reductions are expected in 2010. However, more than three-quarters expect that the field of philanthropy will become more strategic as a result of having weathered the crisis.

National trends

Spotlight on Arts Funding in Georgia

October 1, 2009

Spotlight on Arts Funding in Georgia sheds light on grant priorities and the effect of the economic crisis on Georgia arts funders and recipient organizations surveyed earlier in 2009. Findings show the contrast between types of support that grantmakers award compared to what arts groups say they need most. The report includes an analysis of arts grantmaking in 2007, with lists of the 10 largest Georgia arts funders by assets and giving.

Regional trends; Special topic trends