Our Region, Our Giving 2006

Publication date:

November, 2006

This marks the inaguraly edition of Our Region, Our Giving - a look at philanthropy in the Greater Washington region. The region is home to a vibrant philanthropic sector, including nearly 2,000 grantmakers that have collectively demonstrated a steady commitment to supporting the region. Highlights from the report include:

In 2005, private and community foundations in the region gave more than $655.5 million, a 7.3 percent increase over 2004, compared to an estimated 5.5 percent increase in foundation giving nationwide.
Private foundations reported a 6.3 percent increase in assets, with $9.42 billion in assets at the end of 2005, compared to $8.86 billion in 2004.
Community foundations in the Washington region held combined assets of nearly $408 million in 2005, an increase of 6.5 percent over assets of $383 million in 2004.
Contributions by the top 50 corporations in the region generated more than $120.2 million in cash donations for local nonprofits in 20053
Adjusting for a $28 million special allocation in 2004 by Sallie Mae, the 2005 total represented a 7.8 percent increase in corporate funding for local charities.
Educational Institutions and Related Activities received the largest portion of regional foundation giving at $126.04 million (22 percent of contributions); while the highest number of grants (5,491) went to Human Services, with grants totaling $110.66 million.