Nearly 94% of the community foundations included in this snapshot ended FY24 with a year-over-year increase in assets over FY23 totals, owed to a combination of strong fundraising performances field-wide, and a second straight year of broadly positive investment returns. Grantmaking also rose for many, with nearly two-thirds increasing their funding totals over the previous year. (n=425)
This snapshot reflects data from 445 community foundations across the U.S. for fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Findings are based on responses to the CF Insights Annual Survey and supplemented with public financial statements for a more comprehensive view of high-level growth trends.
The Council extends our thanks to the community foundations that participated in our survey, the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance and its members for contributing their survey data, and Candid for sharing additional 990 data.
This peer space is curated for foundation staff that manage and lead scholarship programs, designed to be informal, peer-led conversations with fellow foundation staff (of all types) to share best practices and explore common challenges in scholarship programs. Whether you are new to managing scholarships or have years of experience, you’ll gain fresh ideas and build relationships with colleagues.
This peer space is curated for foundation staff that manage and lead scholarship programs, designed to be informal, peer-led conversations with fellow foundation staff (of all types) to share best practices and explore common challenges in scholarship programs. Whether you are new to managing scholarships or have years of experience, you’ll gain fresh ideas and build relationships with colleagues.
How do we know scholarship programs are making a difference – and how do we tell that story? In this peer event, scholarship professionals will explore practical ways to measure impact and success beyond dollars awarded. In peer discussion, we will discuss how to track and understand long-term impact of scholarship programs on students and communities.
Participants will share what they are measuring, what has been most useful, and where challenges still exist. Whether you are just starting to think about impact measurement or looking to strengthen your current approach, this peer conversation will offer ideas, tools, and inspiration to adapt to your own program.
To learn more about how you can connect with peers in the field, we encourage you to join the Philanthropy Exchange, as a space to ask questions, provide feedback, and share resources with scholarship professionals.
In 2026, we are launching a new virtual book club! We will be reading and discussing “Understanding the Phenomenon: A Qualitative Investigation of the McConnell Scholars Program.” Please reach out to Melissa Nolan at engagement@cof.org if you are interested in attending after the peer event!