Based in Washington, D.C., it is aimed at charity leaders, foundation executives, fund raisers, and other people involved in philanthropy.

On May 4, 2022, The Chronicle of Philanthropy announced plans to spin off and become an independent, nonprofit organization,[4] As of February 2023, with approval from the Internal Revenue Service, that transition took effect.

[5][6] The Chronicle of Philanthropy is involved in research projects such as The Philanthropy 400, which annually ranks the nation's largest nonprofit groups based on the amount of money they raise,[7] and The Philanthropy 50, which ranks the individuals who give the most money to nonprofit groups each year.

[8][9] According to a 2012 study by the Chronicle, the rich (those making over $100,000 a year) give a smaller share, averaging 4.2%, to charity than those poorer (between $50,000 - $75,000 a year), who give an average of 7.6%.

[13] The chair of its board of directors is Trabian Shorters, CEO of BMe.