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
Background
GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington conduced primary research with its members to understand how the economic downturn is impacting funding levels and patterns in 2009. A total of 68 one-on-one phone interviews were conducted from February 23 – March 19, 2009. GRANTMAKERS total membership includes 101 funders.
Results
The economy is top of mind for funders in Oregon and southwest Washington. Nearly all (97%) have made decisions about 2009 funding levels with the economic downturn in mind. Only 2 funders have not faced these decisions due to annual or biannual grant cycles.
Half will be granting less money in 2009 compared to 2008. Fifty-two percent of funders will be pulling back funding levels this year, giving less than in ’08. Under half (39%) will be maintaining the same level of funding as in ’08. A small handful (9%) will be giving more this year compared to last year.
Across types of funders, family foundations are most likely to be decreasing funding levels with 79% saying they are cutting back compared to ’08. This is in contrast to community foundations and public funders who are most likely to be increasing or maintaining funding levels compared to ’08.
Asset values have been hit hard. The majority of funders (71%) report losses in the overall value of their assets with one in four (26%) reporting losses of more than 30% in value. Family foundations have been hit especially hard with 59% citing losses of more than 30% in value.
Some funders have managed to keep asset levels flat with 27% reporting no change in the overall value of their assets. These are most likely to be corporate giving programs, public funders and tribal funders.
Focus is on mission-centric giving. Whether funding levels are decreasing or staying flat in ’09, funders are honing in on their core mission to guide decision making. Other than some increases in human services, funders are not planning to make significant shifts in sectors funded.
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