The heterogeneity of foundations is usually captured in terms of classifications based on size or type (community, corporate, independent). This article argues that to capture broader elements of foundation approaches to philanthropy, we also need ways of categorizing foundations that reflect differences in how they approach their work and the underlying philosophies that inform their philanthropy. The article develops one such typology, drawing on research on 1,192 foundations. The typology is proposed as useful for understanding variations among foundations, and for its practical value in helping foundations clarify their own guiding frameworks.
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