Is it true that foundation grants for operating support are increasing?
In 2007, funding for general support surpassed the previous record, but its share remained the same.
In 2007, funding for general or unrestricted support reached a record $4.1 billion, but its share of grant dollars held steady at 19 percent. By share of number of grants, operating support increased slightly to 24.5 percent in 2007, compared to 24.3 percent in 2006.
Capital support—including funding for building and renovation, equipment, technology, and endowments—declined to 16.5 percent of grant dollars in 2007.
Program support—which includes funding for activities ranging from program development to seed money, to conferences, to curriculum development—continued to account for the largest share of grant dollars (just under 50 percent of total foundation giving in 2007).
Public affairs/society benefit, arts and culture, and international affairs received larger shares of general or operating support in 2007.
