Research & Insights

Evidence-based findings that guide our mission and inform smarter giving decisions.

Data-Driven Philanthropy

We believe the most impactful giving is informed giving. Our research team curates the latest findings in charitable finance, conservation science, and donor behavior to help you give with confidence.

Featured Research

Tax efficiency research
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Tax Efficiency of Appreciated Asset Gifts

Our analysis of 10,000+ donations reveals that gifting appreciated assets instead of cash can increase the effective value of a charitable gift by 20–37%, depending on the donor's tax bracket and asset type.

Published: March 2024 · 12 min read

Wildlife conservation
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Conservation ROI: Where Donations Go Furthest

A comparative study of 50 conservation organizations shows that strategic geographic targeting in biodiversity hotspots yields up to 4x more acres protected per donated dollar versus general giving.

Published: January 2024 · 9 min read

Donor behavior
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The Psychology of Major Donor Decisions

Understanding what motivates high-net-worth individuals to make transformational gifts. Our research identifies 7 key factors that consistently drive six-figure charitable commitments.

Published: November 2023 · 15 min read

Endowment performance
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Endowment Fund Performance Benchmarks

An in-depth review of charitable endowment performance over a 10-year horizon, examining asset allocation strategies, spending policies, and their effect on long-term mission sustainability.

Published: September 2023 · 11 min read

Community impact
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Community Impact Metrics: A New Framework

Traditional charity ratings focus on overhead ratios. We propose a more holistic framework that measures actual community outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and mission alignment over time.

Published: July 2023 · 8 min read

Planned giving trends
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Trends in Planned Giving: 2020–2024

Bequests and charitable remainder trusts have grown 31% since 2020. This longitudinal study tracks the drivers behind the shift toward legacy giving among younger affluent donors.

Published: May 2023 · 10 min read

What the Data Shows

Our ongoing research program tracks philanthropy trends, charitable outcomes, and donor behavior across the nonprofit landscape. Here are some key findings from our most recent annual report.

These insights directly shape the tools, resources, and guidance we provide to Closehaul donors — ensuring every recommendation is grounded in real evidence.

Explore Donor Resources →
37%
Average tax savings when donating appreciated stock vs. cash
4x
More impact per dollar in targeted conservation giving
31%
Growth in planned giving commitments since 2020
92%
Of donors report greater satisfaction with strategic gift planning

Put Research into Action

Use our findings to make smarter, more impactful giving decisions — with guidance from our expert team.

Plan Your Gift →