Economy - Downturn & Recovery: Local Responses
Click HERE to return to “Economy - Downturn & Recovery” main page
Local Responses
Grantmakers and the Economy- Member Survey
By mid-February the economy’s impact on grantmaking was of high concern for members of GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Every committee meeting or gathering began with members seeking information from colleagues. While we were collecting anecdotal information, it became clear that what our members really needed was reliable data.
GRANTMAKERS was fortunate to have the volunteer services of Lori Heckmann, a professional researcher with a keen interest in philanthropy. Over a period of weeks, Lori created a survey instrument and then made personal calls to members. Brief calls turned to lengthy discussions as our members shared their response to this unprecedented economic challenge. Lori’s generous contribution provides us with a snapshot of where our members are and how they see the near future.
2009 Survey Executive Summary.doc
Complete Survey Findings - Power Point.ppt
Complete Survey Findings - PDF.pdf
Survey Findings - Audio Explanation by Lori Heckmann.MP3
Douglas and Josephine Counties - Local Funders Collaborate to Respond to Demand on Food Supply
Umpqua Community Action Network’s (UCAN) Food Shares Program received much-needed grant support of $45,000 from nine different charities to assist in the increase of the organization’s food supplies for Douglas and Josephine Counties.
Nine local funders including The Ford Family Foundation, Gordon Elwood Foundation, Mercy Foundation, and Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, along with five advised funds from The Oregon Community Foundation including Whipple Foundation Fund, Crane Creek Family Fund, Toll and Wagner Charitable Fund, Walton-Weston Family Fund, and Collyer Hitchcock Family Fund all donated generously to the effort.
To view the full press release click here: UCAN - Press Release.pdf
To see the article in Roseburg’s local paper click here: http://www.nrtoday.com/article/2009903309966
Nonprofit Fundraising Trends Survey - Released 2.28.09
A survey looking at the impact of the current economic crisis on nonprofits in our region was conducted in partnership with: Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Meyer Memorial Trust and authored by: Retriever Development Counsel, LLC
http://www.gosw.org/grant/makers/info/nonprofit_fundraising_trends_survey_-_released_2.28.09/
United Way Community Relief Fund
United Way, Oregon Food Bank, and Community Action Programs in all four metro-area counties announce the formation of the Community Relief Fund to shore up an already strained community safety net. This appeal for emergency funds will help support families who have been hardest hit in the economic crisis with basic needs like food, rent, and utilities. 100% of donations will go directly to local programs – no overhead costs will be deducted. http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/
The Ford Family Foundation Responds to the Crunch with Candor
The Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg, Oregon released a message from Norm Smith, President of The Ford Family Foundation about the Foundation’s condition and its response to the financial crunch in 2009: http://www.tfff.org/main/AboutUs/WhatsNew/tabid/54/Default.aspx
Meyer Memorial Trust Uses Blog to Keep Grantees Current
The blog includes an analysis of the impact of the economy on the Trust’s corpus. Additionally, it announced the launch of an Operating Funds Grant Program, Shared Resources Planning Grants and a refining MMT’s grant priorities. Access the latest blog here: http://www.mmt.org/weblog/archives/an_update_on_mmts_response_to_economic_conditions.php
The Oregon Community Foundation: Focus on Communication
OCF has renewed their commitment to the community with a redesigned communications platform that is allowing them to keep their donors, grantees and the public abreast of their activities. OCF has convened some of the state’s leading emergency service providers to identify how communities can build a strong safety net to help people in need, completed their Giving in Oregon Survey and committed to keep their community grant making stable. For more information: http://www.oregoncf.org/resources/news-pubs
Grantmakers Gathered for Discussion
GRANTMAKERS Oregon and Southwest Oregon’s January Third Thursday session Philanthropy and the Economic Rollercoaster. The program featured a panel of creative public and private sector thinkers who debated strategies, invited thoughts, and helped inform the decisions of GRANTMAKERS members—board and staff members alike. A recording is available at : http://www.gosw.org/grant/makers/info/audio_recordings/
