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The Forum provides a wide range of data and knowledge to inform the work of regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs) and their member philanthropic organizations. This includes Forum-produced research on PSO operations as well as research and other information and knowledge produced by our PSO members and colleague organizations.

Journey Toward Racial Equity: Baseline Findings from the Racial Equity Capacity Assessment

This report examines philanthropy-serving organizations’ (PSOs) current internal work and external programming to advance racial equity. The report represents the latest in an effort by PSOs to advance philanthropic practice and impact by centering racial equity. 

Racial Equity Case Stories

We are pleased to share two in-depth case stories of our members' racial equity work featuring Funders Together to End Homelessness and Southeastern Council of Foundations.

Key Metrics Report

The Forum publishes the only Key Metrics Report that provides comprehensive benchmarking data and analyses on the finances, membership, services and programs, operations, and governance of regional and national PSOs, The Forum produces the report every other year.

Compensation & Benefits Report

The Forum publishes the only Compensation & Benefits Report for all philanthropy-serving organizations in the country. The annual report provides comprehensive benchmarking data and analyses on regional and national PSOs’ employment practices. The report provides PSOs with data, information and knowledge to help them learn from their peers and benchmark themselves against similar organizations, and also provides funders with key data and trends about a critical component of the philanthropy field. 

Learning to Ride the Wave: Adaptive Business Modeling for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations

This 2019 DIY guide seeks to help PSOS effectively manage the “business side” of their organizations. Developed by The Giving Practice (TGP) at Philanthropy Northwest, in partnership with United Philanthropy Forum and Northern California Grantmakers, the guide offers practical tips, tools and practices to help ensure that PSOs are mobilizing resources as effectively as possible to advance their missions. The guide features perspectives from dozens of leaders of national and regional PSOs and examples from TGP’s work with these organizations.

Navigating the PSO Partnership Trail: A Field Guide for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations

This draft version of a 2019 Field Guide provides the stories of victory and defeat for PSO partnership and collaboration and provides details on the equipment necessary for successful partnerships and collaboration among PSOs and our partners. This guide was developed by the Forum network for the Forum network, in response to our network’s growth in regional and national PSO members—all of whom operate in different ways and have unique cultures.

Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Forum has a strategic focus on advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion in philanthropy by leveraging the power of our expanding nationwide network of regional and national PSOs. We believe that a focus on racial equity, diversity and inclusion can lead to more effective philanthropy and better communities.

Giving Circles

Throughout history, passionate individuals have joined together to make life better in their communities. Today, thousands of donors pool their money, energy, and ideas to create giving circles. Giving circles are a growing and significant philanthropic trend among donors of all wealth levels and backgrounds. Past studies have shown that the number of giving circles has exploded across the country and that they are an established philanthropic force.