Foundations Allocating More Grants For The Needy
The NonProfit Times
November 15, 2012
Foundation grants to empower poor communities have increased in recent years, significantly in some cases, according to results reported in two new studies released today by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) in Washington, D.C.
"The State of Giving to Underserved Communities," reported that the proportion of foundation grant dollars meant to help disadvantaged people, the elderly, women, girls, and other marginalized groups was 40 percent during the period from 2008 to 2010. This was a 7 percent increase from 2004 to 2006, when the number stood at 33 percent.
NCRP's companion report, "The State of Social Justice Philanthropy," showed that giving to these groups increased from 12 percent of grant dollars in 2004-2006 to 15 percent in 2008-2010.
"We're seeing slow but steady progress in a positive direction," said Aaron Dorfman, executive director of NCRP, in a press release. "The data suggest that our nation's grant-making foundations may be realizing that they can achieve their missions more effectively and also serve the common good by prioritizing and empowering those with the least wealth, opportunity and power."
