Introduction

The purpose of this tutorial is to help you better understand the foundation world. In just a short period of time, you'll learn what foundations do, how they are changing, as well as where they fit in the larger philanthropic universe. Follow the links below, and find the answers to specific questions about the philanthropic world, different types of foundations, and information on trends in foundation giving.

Updated October, 2012.

Profile of the Funding Community

• What is a foundation?
• How much have foundations grown and why is that important?
• Is it true that foundations in a few states give most of the grants?
• How does foundation giving compare to giving by individuals, corporations, or bequests?
• What is the difference between large and small foundations?

What Foundation Grants Support

• What are foundations' preferred funding areas; have these priorities changed over time?
• Is it true that foundation grants for operating support are declining?
• How much funding targets children, people of color, women, and other specific groups?
• Do foundations give outside of the United States?
• What else do we know about where foundations give their support?
• Is there information available on funding for special topics, such as the visual arts or international affairs?
• How can I get more information on giving trends?