Report on U.S. Philanthropy Sector’s Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals
Executive Summary
A report by the Council on Foundations indicates significant progress within the United States philanthropy sector, particularly in areas aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings highlight advancements in diversity and gender equality, reflecting a commitment to principles central to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Key Findings from the 2025 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report
- Increased Racial Diversity: The representation of people of color in full-time grantmaking positions has increased by 4% since 2022.
- Growth in Female Leadership: The proportion of female CEOs at foundations has risen to 64%, demonstrating a consistent annual increase.
- Narrowing Gender Pay Gap: The median salary for female CEOs is now 88% of that earned by their male counterparts, an improvement from 84% reported in 2024.
Contribution to SDG 5: Gender Equality
The report’s data demonstrates tangible progress towards achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
- Target 5.5 (Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership): The steady increase of female CEOs to 64% is a direct indicator of advancing this target within the sector.
- Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value: The reduction of the CEO gender pay gap directly supports the core SDG 5 principle of economic justice and ending discrimination against women.
Advancements in SDG 8 and SDG 10
The findings also show a strong alignment with goals related to inclusive growth and the reduction of inequality.
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: By promoting more inclusive employment and striving for equal pay for work of equal value (Target 8.5), the sector is fostering decent work for all.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: The 4% growth in the employment of people of color directly addresses Target 10.2, which aims to promote the social and economic inclusion of all. By actively closing gender and racial gaps, the sector contributes to Target 10.3, which focuses on ensuring equal opportunity.
Sectoral Commitment and Implications for the 2030 Agenda
The continued commitment to diversity and equality, despite external economic and societal pressures, positions the U.S. philanthropy sector as a vital partner in achieving the broader Sustainable Development Goals. These internal advancements in equality and inclusion strengthen the sector’s capacity to effectively support and fund initiatives related to all 17 SDGs.
Analysis of SDGs in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article directly addresses gender equality by highlighting the increase in female CEOs in the philanthropy sector and the narrowing of the gender pay gap. This focuses on achieving equality and empowering women in the workplace.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
This goal is relevant as the article discusses employment statistics, salaries, and the principle of equal pay for work of equal value within the U.S. philanthropy workforce. It touches upon the quality of work and economic outcomes for employees.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article connects to this goal by discussing efforts to reduce inequalities based on both gender and race. The closing of the gender pay gap and the increase in the number of people of color in professional roles are direct examples of reducing inequalities of outcome and promoting inclusion.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
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Target 5.5 (under SDG 5): “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.”
The article’s finding that the “number of foundation female CEOs is slowly growing by a percentage point or more each year to 64% today” directly relates to this target of increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles within the economic sphere.
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Target 8.5 (under SDG 8): “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.”
The report’s finding that the CEO gender pay gap is closing, with “women now earning 88% of the median salary that their male counterparts earn, rather than 84% as reported in 2024,” is a direct measure of progress toward the “equal pay for work of equal value” component of this target.
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Target 10.2 (under SDG 10): “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”
The article supports this target by reporting that “the number of people of color in full-time grantmaking roles has grown by 4% since 2022.” This demonstrates progress in the economic inclusion of individuals irrespective of race or ethnicity.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
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Indicator for Target 5.5: Proportion of women in leadership/managerial positions.
The article provides a specific data point that serves as this indicator: 64% of foundation CEOs are female. The text also notes that this number is “slowly growing by a percentage point or more each year,” indicating a positive trend.
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Indicator for Target 8.5: The gender pay gap, often measured as the ratio of female to male median earnings.
The article implies this indicator by stating that “women now earning 88% of the median salary that their male counterparts earn.” This is a direct measurement of the pay gap, and its improvement from 84% in the previous year shows progress.
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Indicator for Target 10.2: Proportion of a specific demographic (people of color) in employment.
The article provides a clear indicator for measuring racial inclusion in the workforce: “the number of people of color in full-time grantmaking roles has grown by 4% since 2022.” This percentage growth serves as a quantifiable measure of progress towards greater economic inclusion.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership. | The proportion of female CEOs in foundations has reached 64%. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: Achieve equal pay for work of equal value. | Female CEOs earn 88% of the median salary of their male counterparts, an improvement from 84% in the previous year. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of race. | The number of people of color in full-time grantmaking roles has grown by 4% since 2022. |
Source: devex.com
