FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING

A new poll of non-profit organizations asked: Do you expect the economic slowdown to affect corporate giving in 2008?

Yes 91%
No 7%
Not sure 2%

There are about 2,600 corporate foundations in America. Giving by corporate foundations increased 6.6 percent in 2007 to an estimated $4.4 billion. A recent survey of corporate foundations found that 54% expect their giving to increase in 2008.

A survey of 300 independent and community foundations found an average annual return on investments of 9.9 percent in fiscal year 2007, down from 13.7 percent in 2006. Commonfund Institute executive director John S. Griswold, noted that foundations participating in the survey reported that their average annual return objective was 8.5 percent. "Most foundation executives and trustees would likely be happy with consistent returns of 9.9 percent."

Are your fundraising programs diversified enough to weather a downturn in any one sector? Feel free to call me for an analysis: 847/227-7174.

Future Topic: Grant Application and Reporting Process. Share your views in advance.