Trends in Education Philanthropy: Benchmarking 2023

Overview & Synopsis

This document is the latest Grantmakers for Education's (EdFunders) study of what's now and what's next for education philanthropy. It aims to give insight into the priorities of the education funding community, and to help funders understand their role in supporting education innovation that benefits the nation's learners. The findings in this report are based on survey responses representing 142 grantmaking organizations, 70% of which are EdFunders members. Among the key findings are: (1) Funders' expanded approach to the social-emotional needs of learners includes addressing trauma and the negative impacts of racial injustice; (2) Funders have major concerns about the politicization of education; (3) Funders' growing desire to overhaul the education system reflects a wide range of approaches; (4) Equity remains a priority; (5) Public policy is an area of focus in spite of less favorable local contexts; (6) Interest in funder collaboration is not matched by levels of funding; and (7) Funders increase efforts to be responsive to power dynamics, grantee perspectives and youth voice in funding decisions. [For "Trends in Education Philanthropy: Benchmarking 2018-19," see ED595154.]