Giving USA Foundation 2008 Report: Charitable Giving Is Down

According to a recent New York Times article, “Charitable giving fell last year by the largest percentage in five decades, according to a new study by the Giving USA Foundation.” It was the sharpest drop in the history of the survey, and confirms what those of us ‘on the ground’ in the fundraising world already know; private donations are down, and human services organizations are taking the biggest hit. While giving overall is down just over 5%, giving to human service agencies fell almost 16%.

While 16% is a very high number, donors held back most significantly in funding their own charitable foundations. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that donations to charitable foundations were down 22%. This means that the biggest hits in fundraising will most likely actually be felt in years to come, as those charitable foundations face increased demands and lowered capacity for giving. These statistics are daunting, and we take very seriously the challenges they illustrate. I am ever thankful in these times that we have so many loyal supporters. It is thanks to each of you that we are able to continue expanding services to vulnerable children even in the face of these tremendous challenges. We will continue working as hard as we can to make sure that each child we serve has a better and brighter future. Thank you now as always for your help in making that work possible.