Record U.S. Foundation International Giving

Foundation Center President Bradford K. Smith reports, "More U.S. foundations are spending more resources on international problems, challenges, and opportunities than at any time in history."

Among the major findings detailed in a new report prepared by the Foundation Center in cooperation with the Council on Foundations, "International Grantmaking IV":

* International giving grew faster than overall giving between 2002 and 2007 after inflation, international support rose by more than 50 percent. (compared to a 22.3 percent rise in total giving).

* The Gates Foundation accounted for more than half of the increase in funding between 2002 and 2006.

* Excluding the Gates Foundation, international giving still grew faster than overall giving.

* Region-specific grants to U.S.-based recipients mainly targeted programs focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.

* Giving related to health issues captured the largest share of international grant dollars, while funding for international development showed the most growth from 2002 to 2006.

* Excluding Gates, the greatest share of international grant dollars went for international development, followed by the environment and health.

[International Business Times]