How Philanthropy Nonprofits Spend Money

Spending analysis for philanthropy nonprofits: 73% programs, 23% admin, 5% fundraising. Based on 20 organizations.

90Total Orgs

20Report Spending

73%Avg Programs

23%Avg Admin

5%Avg Fundraising

73% Programs

23% Admin

5% Fund

Spending Patterns in Philanthropy

Among 90 philanthropy nonprofits, 20 report detailed spending data. The sector averages 73% on programs, 23% on administration, and 5% on fundraising.

With $499.4M in combined revenue and $1.4B in assets, the philanthropy sector represents a significant portion of the charitable landscape. Donors should look at individual organization profiles for more context on how funds are allocated.

Most Efficient Philanthropy Nonprofits

#	Organization	Program %	Revenue	State
1	Fred H And Mary S Dore Charitable Ffoundation	95%	$759K	WA
2	Feist Charitable Foundation	95%	$726K	MO
3	H E Anderson Family Foundation	95%	$1.2M	OR
4	Kathryn G Favre Charitablefoundation For The Betterment Of An	90%	$179K	MO
5	Robert & Gail Edelstein Foundation Inc	85%	$764K	FL
6	Johnson Stillman Family Foundation Tr	85%	$372K	CT
7	Teferes Foundation	85%	$1.7M	NY
8	Diana Nelson And John Atwaterfamily Foundation	80%	$920K	MN
9	Evelyn G And Charles L Burgoynefoundation	80%	$688K	WI
10	Jimmie Johnson Foundation	80%	$436K	NC
11	Cobb Family Foundation	80%	$653K	AL
12	United Way Of Northern New Jersey Inc	75%	$12.1M	NJ
13	Bentley Foundation	75%	$540K	MT
14	Daniel O Morris South Carolina Low Country Heritage Trust	70%	$1.1M	SC
15	Bailey Foundation	70%	$758K	NJ
16	M L Parrish Family Foundation Inc	70%	$593K	KY
17	Panther Family Foundation	70%	$11K	SC
18	Stillpoint Foundation	70%	$48K	NH
19	Moscoe Family Foundation	---	$249K	MN
20	Ellard Family Foundation	---	$412K	DE
21	Mercy Ships Foundation	---	$21.9M	TX
22	Peggy Mcelroy Tanner Foundation	---	$188K	OK
23	Eaglemere Foundation Inc	---	$3.9M	MA
24	Leonard & Lillian Bethke Charitable Tr Fbo Untd Way Of S Wood Cnty Inc	---	$282K	WI
25	Sharrif Wilson Charitable Foundation	---	$1.3M	GA
26	Louise Marshall Trust Uw	---	$715K	KY
27	Kennesaw State University Athletic Association Inc	---	$6.5M	GA
28	Burnt Leather Foundation	---	$143	MT
29	Michael X & Virginia St Martin Foundation	---	$27K	LA
30	Rue Foundation Inc	---	$1.7M	NJ
31	Varnum De Rose Trust	---	$4.5M	PA
32	J Allen Lamb & Edward S Pocock Iii Foundation	---	$158K	CT
33	Grays Harbor Ymca Endowment Management Association	---	$229K	WA
34	Association Of Pre Health Professionals	---	$0	NV
35	Adele & Harold J Westbrook Foundation Inc	---	$2.6M	NJ
36	The Brunson Foundation	---	$15.8M	CA
37	Hopeful Deeds Foundation Inc	---	$0	WY
38	Jefferson Christian Academy Scholarship Endowment	---	$122K	AL
39	Jack Strong Foundation Inc	---	$0	WV
40	Tim And Kasey Jackson Family Foundation	---	$666K	KS
41	Edwin And Mary Stone Family Foundation	---	$44K	IA
42	Friends Of Cook Memorial Library	---	$0	NH
43	Lchr Roller Derby League	---	$44K	SC
44	11 11 Foundation	---	$5.5M	VA
45	Liam H Mckelvey Living Foundation	---	$78K	UT
46	Smith Vicars Family Foundation	---	$541K	VA
47	Community Foundation Of Northwest Mississippi Inc	---	$12.4M	MS
48	Layton Community Action Council Inc	---	$40K	UT
49	Pilgrim Foundation	---	$16.0M	DE
50	The Curtis House	---	$95K	AL

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do philanthropy nonprofits spend their money?

On average, 73% goes to programs, 23% to admin, and 5% to fundraising, based on 20 organizations reporting.

What is a good program expense ratio for philanthropy organizations?

While the general benchmark is 75%+, program ratios vary by sector. Philanthropy nonprofits average 73%, which should be evaluated in the context of the specific type of work these organizations do.