Despite Some Optimism, Fear for Future at Jewish Funders’ Gathering

April 15, 2010, Jewish Telegraphic Agency — As more than 200 major funders of Jewish nonprofits gathered here at a hotel known as the Jewel of the Desert, most of the signs of the economic carnage of the past 18 months appeared to be waning.

The funders were here for the annual conference of the Jewish Funders Network, which was held Sunday through Tuesday under perfect weather at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. The meeting was accompanied by a general sense that the financial markets had stabilized and, with them, charitable giving. Many coming off difficult years appeared optimistic.