foundation news & trends
In this section, we have provided links to key trend reports as well as helpful subscription services. If you know of other resources we should add to the list, e-mail us and let us know!
Likewise, we have identified news items regarding issues and news surrounding private foundations. Read on for more details.
Ford Foundation to Close Two International Offices 
According to an April 29, 2009, article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Ford Foundation has elected to close its offices in Hanoi, Vietnam and Moscow, Russia -- largely due to the economic downturn. The offices are scheduled to close at the end of September. For more on this story, view the full article.
Sloan Foundation No Longer Offering Online Education Funding Program
The Sloan Foundation is set to close its Online Education program, according to an April 7, 2009, article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. According to the Foundation's President, the program has run its course and has the met the goals it set out to achieve. Others in the field are not as confident. Read the full article for more details.
MacArthur Foundation Appoints New President
Robert Gallucci has been tapped to succeed Jonathan Fanton as president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Gallucci will assume the new post on July 1, 2009. For more information, please consult the full article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Kresge Foundation Retiring Green Building Program
Effective May 29, 2009, the Kresge Foundation will no longer accept applications under its Green Building Initiative, citing that the program has fulfilled the mission that it was originally intended to fulfill. More details about this announcement as well as other environmental programs of the Foundation can be found in the February 27, 2009 press release.
Foundation Giving Trends Report Now Available
The Foundation Center, long recognized as a resource leader in the foundation philanthropy sector, has released a new report detailing trends in foundation giving. Readers will discover a broad range of information including which subject areas had the greatest growth, what types of grants are awarded most frequently, along with a reference to how foundations fare during tough economic times. The full report is available for a fee, but the four-page Highlights document is free and contains a wealth of information of interest to grantseekers. For additional information about trends, visit the Foundation Center’s Web site.
The Spencer Foundation Announces New Grants Program on Civic Learning and Civic Action
The Spencer Foundation has announced a new strategic initiative to support research about how and why individuals and groups become engaged in civic action. The Foundation recognizes the need for more research that addresses questions about whether and how schools and other settings where learning occurs can encourage civic activity, in both the short- and long-term. Additionally, there is a strong interest in issues of both quality and equality in civic action. The program accepts proposals in two categories:
1) Small Grants -- with a budget of $40,000 or less, and
2) Major Grants -- with a budget of more than $40,000.
Detailed description of Civic Learning and Civic Action
Guidelines for submitting a proposal
Kresge Foundation Announces Two New Programs
In a June 2008 press release, the Kresge Foundation announced two major programs: the Health Program and the Environment Program. Both programs will focus on health and environment-related social issues, with a specific emphasis on underserved groups. More details about these programs can be found in the press release.
Economic Impact on Foundation Philanthropy
Learn how various foundations are responding to the economic downturn and what that means for your project funding.
REPORTS
- Topical Resource Lists - philanthropy resources from the Foundation Center
- Trends in Giving - Research Studies from Foundation Center
subscriptions
Another way to keep apprised of what's going on in the world of foundation philanthropy is to subscribe to these helpful e-news services:
- Charity Channel newsletters (modest subscription fee)
- Philanthropy News Digest
- RFP Bulletin
- Chronicle of Philanthropy (some free sections; others require paid subscription)