Dallas, TX – A new study released today by Philanthropy Southwest shows a healthy philanthropic sector in the southwestern U.S., with both giving and assets increasing significantly. The 2014 Giving Study: An Overview of Grantmaking by Private and Community Foundations in the Southwest shows that foundations in the region contributed over $5 billion to charitable causes, representing an 18% increase from the last study in 2012, while their assets totaled over $69 billion, an increase of nearly 12%.

The seven states included in the study are Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. These states comprise the membership region for Philanthropy Southwest, the oldest membership association for grantmakers in the U.S.

“This study provides everyone in the field – from charitable organizations to funders and donors, and state and national leaders – with a comprehensive and detailed look at foundations and giving in the region. It offers important insights on where contributions are being made, the organizations supported, and key interest areas in the southwest,” said Lucille DiDomenico, Philanthropy Southwest Executive Director. “Not only does this study capture information and trends about past efforts, it informs and strengthens our ability to plan wisely and maximize effectiveness in the future.”

Read the entire press release via the link below.