Research by Topic

Philanthropy through a topical lens

How do environmental factors influence the ways that individuals and organizations donate funds—in the United States and globally? How do factors like race, gender, age, and faith inform giving? How has the philanthropic landscape shifted before, during, and after the height of the pandemic?

Our research faculty and staff consistently seek the questions that are most relevant to philanthropy. We gather data and explore trends that will help practitioners and leaders in the field.

Mapping Nonprofit Spending on Climate Change

New insights to the understanding of the specific strategies that nonprofits are taking to address climate change, as well as issuing recommendations for funders who hope to advance this vital work.

Human Needs Index

This collaboration between the LFSOP and The Salvation Army provides an analysis of The Salvation Army’s rich, enduring, and consistent collection of service data to expand the pathways through which individuals and communities in poverty may be identified. When combined with an assessment of governmental data, the HNI provides a new lens through which to understand human need across the U.S.

Nonprofits and Donor-Advised Funds: Perceptions and Potential Impacts

One of the fastest growing charitable vehicles in the field of philanthropy, donor-advised funds (DAFs) foster a unique partnership among nonprofits, donors, and DAF sponsoring organizations to achieve philanthropic goals.