Foundation Fundraising During the Economic Crisis (Q2 2009)

Foundation Fundraising During the Economic Crisis (Q2 2009)

By Tom Wilson Major Gifts Guru

As I've been out interviewing foundation trustees and staff of foundations, I've heard astounding information for a major gifts fundraiser.

Some foundations are literally trapped in a slow moving glacier – multi-year pledges combined with 40% drops in assets have virtually shut them down.

Others are fully committed for 2009 but will get back in action in 2010.

Some were conservative, did no future pledging, lost some assets in the market, and will move forward but with smaller grants and tougher scrutiny.

One trustee recently told me that some foundations are considering taking out a line of credit so they don't have to cash in underperforming assets and realize their lower valuations.

The Foundation Center is tracking many of these issues on their website www.FoundationCenter.org. Check out their status reports and ongoing monitoring of how foundations are focusing on housing, emergency assistance, and providing shelter and services for the homeless by clicking here.

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