Executive Issues

In Troubled Economy, Grants Plug the Holes
May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009, The Washington Post — Despite a recession that has caused donations to nonprofit groups to plummet as need has increased sharply, 46 Maryland organizations received grants last week from the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region.

Smart Giving in a Troubled Climate
May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009, The New York Times — In December, Joe and Nancy Briggs sat down in their home on Lake Canandaigua in western New York to take a hard look at their donations to charity. Their investments, like those of almost everyone else, were shrinking just as the pile of requests from charities was expanding.

Philanthropists Set Spending Deadlines
May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — A growing number of philanthropists are adopting spending deadlines and sunset provisions to ensure urgent global needs are addressed in a timely way.

Rich Feel Guilty About Giving to Charity
May 20, 2009

May 18, 2009, The Wall Street Journal — It is one thing to feel guilty about buying a $5,000 handbag these days. But are the rich also feeling guilty about giving to charity?

Philadelphia-area Nonprofits Struggling, Survey Finds
May 19, 2009

May 19, 2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer — A new survey paints a bleak economic picture of the region's nonprofit sector, with many organizations reporting funding shortfalls, layoffs, and reductions in programs.

Franklin Forum: Nonprofit Pros Share Advice on Weathering the Economic Downturn
May 12, 2009

The future of fundraising was the main topic at the plenary session at the Franklin Forum, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Philadelphia Chapter in Philadelphia in late April. While none of the speakers were quite sure exactly what the future of fundraising would look like, they all agreed that it would never be the same.

Recession Gives Small Colleges an Economics Lesson
May 12, 2009

CRAFTSBURY COMMON, Vt., The Associated Press, May 11, 2009 — The 92 students at Sterling College are used to roughing it , they learn how to use an ax, sleep outside in the winter and raise a quarter of their food.

But the recession created a new hardship, forcing administrators to plead with the cash-strapped state for $350,000 for a new dorm that it hopes will attract the minimum of 115 students it needs to survive.

Donor Confidence on the Rise
May 11, 2009

Valencia, CA,  May 1, 2009 —  Confidence among individual American donors edged higher in April 2009 to an index level of 88.2, according to a nationwide survey published by polling firm Campbell Rinker.  The firm’s April Donor Confidence Index topped a score of 87.5 measured in February and bested the 84.7 measured in December.  This trend suggests that donors are gradually gaining confidence in 2009. 

American People to Blame for Economy, Half of Donors Say
May 11, 2009

Valencia, CA,  May 1, 2009  –   Half of American donors blame themselves — the American people – for the present economic situation, according to a new question added to this month’s Donor Confidence survey from donor research firm Campbell Rinker. 

Recession Fails to Halt Spring Charity Benefits
May 11, 2009

May 9, 2009, The New York Times — Despite hard times, many nonprofit groups are proceeding with the charity benefits that are an annual rite of spring. But they are looking for new ways to save money, like scheduling events in donors’ homes and joining forces to cut costs.