Local Economy Is Top Driver of Decisions at Smaller Foundations

The local economy is the most important driver of grant-making decisions by leaders of relatively small foundations, with 52 percent saying it was a strongly or moderately influencing factor, according to a new study.

In contrast, only 20 percent cited the global economy as a strong or moderate factor in their grant-making decisions, according to the survey from Exponent Philanthropy, a membership group of foundations with few staff members.

Other findings:

• 16 percent said an increase in natural disasters strongly or moderately influenced those decisions; 55 percent said it was not a factor.
• 25 percent said changes in the political climate were strong or moderate influencers.

Dan Parks is the Chronicle’s senior editor for digital and data.