Donor Giving Trends for Today and Tomorrow, Part 3

“Foundations had a huge hit in investments — more than half scaled back,” Slocum said. “So what fit a few years ago may not fit today. You have to expect and prepare for shifting priorities and focuses in institutional giving.”

The good news, Slocum said, is that foundation assets are recovering, citing data from the Foundation Center. While most foundations are still cautious and corporate giving remains static, there are fewer “no new applications accepted at this time” directives, and new foundation startups are increasing. In fact, she said, there is expected to be more dollars available by more foundations in 2012. The difference is now grantmakers have reordered priorities and narrower focuses.