Number of Grantmaking Foundations Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
18,884
grantmaking foundations businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The grantmaking foundations industry has grown 77.9% since 2000 (from 10,616 to 18,884 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 18,884 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+7.2%).
- •Employment: 218,140 workers in 2023 (64.4% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 71%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18,884 | 20,670 | 218,140 | 8.6% | 6.6% | +5.3% |
| 2022 | 18,509 | 20,266 | 208,041 | 8.9% | 6.9% | +7.5% |
| 2021 | 18,174 | 19,985 | 193,563 | 8.4% | 7.9% | -4.7% |
| 2020 | 17,947 | 19,986 | 204,621 | 7.9% | 6.5% | +2.6% |
| 2019 | 17,613 | 19,501 | 197,668 | 7.9% | 6.5% | +1.0% |
| 2018 | 17,293 | 19,378 | 195,984 | 9.0% | 5.9% | +2.9% |
| 2017 | 16,976 | 18,753 | 190,891 | 7.5% | 7.0% | +1.7% |
| 2016 | 16,944 | 18,953 | 194,133 | 7.9% | 5.7% | +4.3% |
| 2015 | 16,449 | 18,386 | 185,248 | 7.1% | 6.0% | +2.9% |
| 2014 | 16,204 | 18,213 | 181,654 | 6.9% | 5.7% | +2.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.