Longitudinal tracking of growth in assets, gifts, and grants is done using a consistent sample of the largest 100 community foundations by asset size, who together hold over 90 percent of the dollars in the field. This group's collective asset total grew by more than 11 percent over 2019. After 2019 saw decreases in both, grantmaking increased by 38 percent in 2020, while fundraising increased by 42 percent.
Staff and financial resources are important to monitor for smaller foundations who are looking to grow, and for larger foundations who are looking for the flexibility to diversify their offerings.
Differences in community foundation size are reflected in their different operating models and product focus.
There was a slight uptick in asset growth across the field after a virtual flattening in FY 2015, though the growth rates of individual community foundations remain relatively neutral.
The data and findings throughout this dashboard are based on FY 2016 Columbus Survey responses from 253 community foundations. We extend our thanks to all who participated.