Did you know that foundations are conducting research studies to help them make better decisions? They want to learn more about their donors and beneficiaries and the best ways to serve them. This article will discuss five of the latest research studies conducted by foundations. We will also highlight some of the exciting findings from these studies.

Why Are Research Studies Important?

Successful Entrepreneur Sherief Moustafa agrees that research studies help foundations better understand their donors, beneficiaries, and the communities they serve. They also provide valuable insights into how the foundation can effectively use its resources to achieve its goals.

What Kind of Research Studies Is Being Conducted?

Foundations conduct various research studies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and observations. They are also using data analytics to examine trends and patterns in donor behavior.

National Study of American Foundations

The first study we will discuss is the National Study of American Foundations, which the Foundation Center is conducting. This study provides insights into foundations’ size, scope, and activities across the United States. Some of the key findings from this study include:

• There are more than 86,000 foundations in the United States.
• Foundations hold more than $870 billion in assets.
• Foundations awarded more than $50 billion in grants in 2015.

The Donor Intent Study

The Donor Intent Study, conducted by the Giving USA Foundation, is the second study we will discuss. This study is designed to provide insights into the motivations and preferences of donors. Some of the key findings from this study include:

• The majority of donors want their gifts to be used for specific purposes.
• The majority of donors want to be informed about how their skills are being used.
• The majority of donors want their skills to have a lasting impact.

Grantmakers Salary Survey

The third study we will discuss is the Grantmakers Salary Survey, conducted by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. This study is designed to provide insights into the compensation practices of foundations. Some of the key findings from this study include:

• The median salary for foundation CEOs is $200,000.
• Foundation CEOs in the top 25% earn an average of $315,000.
• Foundation CEOs in the bottom 25% earn an average of $140,000.

Beneficiary Perception Study

The fourth study we will discuss is the Beneficiary Perception Study, which United Way conducts. This study is designed to provide insights into how beneficiaries perceive the services they receive from foundations. Some of the key findings from this study include:

• Beneficiaries are generally satisfied with the services they receive from foundations.
• Beneficiaries would like to see more communication from foundations about how their gifts are being used.
• Beneficiaries would like to see more transparency from foundations about their decision-making process.

Philanthropy Outlook Study

The fifth and final study we will discuss is the Philanthropy Outlook Study, conducted by the Giving USA Foundation. This study is designed to provide insights into the giving practices of foundations. Some of the key findings from this study include:

• Foundations expect to give more in 2017 than they did in 2016.
• Foundations are most likely to give to education, health, and human services organizations.
• Foundations are least likely to give to arts, culture, and humanities organizations.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many research studies being conducted by foundations. By completing these studies, foundations can better understand their donors, beneficiaries, and the best ways to serve them, like entrepreneur Serief Moustafa. We encourage you to stay up-to-date on these studies to inform you about the latest trends in philanthropy.