NAICS 8132

Grantmaking & Giving Services

NAICS 8132: Grantmaking & giving services. Overview of foundations, community organizations & charitable grantmaking in the US economy.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 8132 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
209K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
22K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$17.1B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$81,713
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$181.9B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

NAICS 8132 encompasses organizations primarily engaged in grantmaking and giving services, including private foundations, community foundations, and grantmaking public charities that distribute funds to support charitable causes, scientific research, education, health, and social welfare initiatives. These organizations serve as critical intermediaries in the philanthropic ecosystem, connecting donors with causes and managing substantial pools of capital dedicated to addressing societal challenges. The industry plays a vital economic role by mobilizing private wealth for public benefit, funding research and development that might otherwise lack commercial viability, and supporting nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services to communities across the nation.

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Industry Trends

01

Impact investing and outcomes-based grantmaking are increasingly prevalent, with foundations and donors demanding measurable results and social return on investment metrics rather than solely funding based on organizational reputation.

02

Donor-advised funds have experienced rapid growth as an alternative grantmaking vehicle, offering tax efficiency and flexibility for individual donors while creating new operational requirements for sponsoring organizations.

ESG

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are becoming central to grantmaking strategies, with foundations increasingly prioritizing climate change, racial equity, and social justice initiatives in their funding priorities.

04

Technology adoption for grant management has accelerated, including digital application platforms, data analytics for impact measurement, and blockchain-based transparency mechanisms to streamline grantmaking processes.

05

Collaborative grantmaking and funder networks have expanded as foundations recognize the amplified impact of coordinated funding efforts on complex social problems requiring multi-sector approaches.

Industries

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 8132? ▾
NAICS 8132 is the industry classification for grantmaking and giving services, which includes organizations such as private foundations, community foundations, and public charities whose primary activity is distributing grants and donations to support charitable causes. These entities manage philanthropic assets and make funding decisions to advance educational, scientific, health, and social welfare objectives.
What types of organizations are classified under NAICS 8132? ▾
This classification includes independent private foundations, company-sponsored foundations, community foundations, operating foundations, donor-advised fund administrators, and public charities with grantmaking functions. The sector also encompasses philanthropic advisory services that help donors manage their charitable giving strategies and evaluate charitable organizations.
How do grantmaking organizations generate revenue? ▾
Grantmaking organizations primarily derive income from endowments, investment returns on assets, donations from individuals and corporations, and administrative fees. Many maintain perpetual endowments that generate investment income distributed annually as grants, while others rely on continuous fundraising to support their grantmaking activities.
What regulatory requirements govern NAICS 8132 organizations? ▾
Grantmaking organizations must comply with IRS regulations for tax-exempt status (typically 501(c)(3)), including requirements to distribute a percentage of assets annually, maintain detailed grantmaking records, and file Form 990 disclosures. State charitable registration and reporting requirements vary, and organizations must demonstrate that grants serve charitable purposes.
What is the difference between private and community foundations? ▾
Private foundations are typically established by individuals or families and have more restrictive grantmaking requirements, including mandatory annual distribution minimums. Community foundations serve specific geographic areas, accept donations from multiple sources, and generally have more flexibility in grantmaking while emphasizing local community needs and engagement.

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