Low-income and minority communities receive two-thirds of all health grants made in the U.S., suggesting that much of the money is going where it is needed most, according to a new report from The Philanthropic Collaborative.

PNN Online reported June 16 that the study by economist Phillip Swagel, “Broad Benefits: Health-Related Giving by Private and Community Foundations” (PDF), also found that health grants yield social returns at a ratio of 7.6 to 1, and that $5.5 billion in health grants reached underserved communities between 2005 and 2007.

“I am gratified our assumptions about the commitment of health foundations to improving conditions for underserved and minority populations stand up to the scrutiny of empirical research,” said Lauren LeRoy of Grantmakers in Health.

“Where government is cutting back, foundations are stepping up to help catch those falling through the cracks. This study validates their efforts toward helping those most in need,” said Providence, R.I., Mayor David Cicilline, president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors and a founding member of TPC.