Economy - Downturn & Recovery: Surveys & Data
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Surveys & Data
Joe Cortwright, Economist, Impresa Consulting
From June 18, 2009 Presentation to GRANTMAKERS and WVDO
http://www.slideshare.net/secret/gs38NIqKw08Mto
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
“Foundation Giving Forecast Tool”
Foundation Center [Added 02/13/09]
Many foundations have publicly announced their plans for how they will respond to the economic crisis. The Foundation Center has compiled a forecast chart providing an overview of these announcements and related news from Philanthropy News Digest and other sources.
“Asset Declines and Investment Strategy Changes by Family, Independent, and Public Foundations”
Council on Foundations [Added 02/12/09]
Survey results just released by the Council on Foundations at the Family Philanthropy Conference in Indianapolis showed that family, independent, and public foundations experienced a 28 percent decline in their asset values over the course of 2008. Many foundations have not made major changes to their investment strategies, but a substantial proportion are making changes in their investment managers, their diversification, and aggressiveness of their investment strategies. Read the survey highlights and survey findings online.
“Making Informed Decisions in Uncertain Times”
Community Foundation Insights and FSG Social Impact Advisors [Added 01/28/09]
In an effort to respond to the current financial uncertainty, Community Foundation Insights and FSG Social Impact Advisors conducted a study, Making Informed Decisions in Uncertain Times, to identify strategies and recommendations for coping with today’s environment. An excerpt from the report highlights some creative measures that community foundations intend to implement to increase their impact despite potentially reduced levels of giving. Though focused on community foundations, the piece offers information that could be relevant for all foundation types.
“When Hand–Wringing Isn’t Enough: Proactive Approaches Funders Can Use When the Economy is Upside–Down”
Taproot Foundation [Added 01/28/09]
The Taproot Foundation recently conducted a survey of over 2,000 nonprofit organizations and elicited responses on the current economic scenario. The findings of this research were shared during a Web–based roundtable discussion hosted by Taproot: When Hand–Wringing Isn’t Enough: Proactive Approaches Funders Can Use When the Economy is Upside–Down with leaders from the philanthropic community.
“Foundation Center Maps Philanthropy’s Response to the Economic Crisis”
Foundation Center [Added 12/04/08]
The Foundation Center is collecting the most recent data available on U.S. foundation support in response to the economic crisis, offering the first look at how foundations are aiding nonprofits as they struggle with the fallout from the downturn. The Center is making this information publicly available in an interactive map and has already gathered information on more than $56 million in support — 135 grants and program-related investments (PRIs) of approximately $22 million and $34 million respectively. The map displays the data by state, county, city, ZIP code, or congressional district.
“United Way of the Bay Area’s Fall 2008 Nonprofit Pulse Survey”
United Way of the Bay Area [Added 11/26/08]
Bay Area nonprofits are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. According to United Way of the Bay Area’s Fall 2008 Nonprofit Pulse Survey, revenues are down, forcing many agencies to cut back services, even though demand is on the rise.
