Shifting philanthropies? An investigation of grantmaking for community revitalization and economic development by place-oriented foundations

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, I longitudinally analyze grantmaking for Community Revitalization and Economic Development (CED) by large place-oriented foundations, offering insights into the longitudinal trajectories of CED grantmaking by these foundations and factors affecting foundation decision-making with regard to CED. By integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis, I answer the following questions: (1) To what extent have large place-oriented foundations pursued and intensified CED grantmaking? (2) What explains variation in CED grantmaking among the foundations? Through a more nuanced analysis of motivations of and constraints on foundation grantmaking for CED, this study demonstrates that multiple factors, including institutional mission, funding structure, leadership preferences, and local contexts, shape CED grantmaking decisions. Additionally, this study finds that local private foundations are more likely to devote large resources to CED than other types of foundations. Within many place-oriented foundations, the broad discretion wielded by foundation leaders, coupled with a relatively expansive interpretation of CED and community well-being, carries implications for enhancing foundation involvement in CED, promoting effective partnerships between foundations and grant-seeking organizations, and ensuring accountability and transparency in foundation-led CED. In-depth case studies will further enhance our understanding of why and how place-oriented foundations advance particular CED grantmaking strategies.