Embracing Diversity: Foundation Giving to California’s Communities of Color

In August 2007, Northern California Grantmakers (in partnership with Southern California Grantmakers and San Diego Grantmakers) commissioned the Foundation Center to conduct a series of studies on diversity in philanthropy in California. 

 

These studies included: 1) an analysis of the extent to which grantmaking by large California foundations serves populations of color; and 2) a survey of California foundations to collect baseline data on the demographic composition of their boards and staffs and on the types of diversity-related data collection and grantmaking they are involved in. A parallel survey of California nonprofi t organizations is also under consideration, in order to understand the composition of their boards and staffs and the degree to which they are involved in various diversity-related activities, such as data collection on the demographics of populations served. The Center is partnering with the University of San Francisco’s Institute for Nonprofi t Organization Management and the University of Southern California’s Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy on these studies.

 

This report presents findings from the analysis of grantmaking by California foundations regarding the extent to which it serves populations of color. Subsequent reports will present fi ndings from the other components of this research effort.