| The current economic downturn in the United States | | | | clothing, and food and are asking for it now. |
| is beginning to have a negative impact on charities | | | | Thrift Stores - Goodwill Industries and thrift stores |
| and fundraising. Most charities are bracing for a drop | | | | across the country are reporting that shoppers have |
| in donations in the coming months. | | | | increased dramatically while donations have |
| According to the Association of Fundraising | | | | decreased. |
| Professionals the last quarter of the year, from | | | | Often people donate to charities because they feel |
| October through December, is when most charities | | | | that other people are in situations worse than their |
| raise between one third and one half of their yearly | | | | own. With many people in the midst of a personal |
| monetary donations. | | | | money crises or worried about the possibility of one |
| Some of the indications of how charities are being | | | | occurring, donating money to charity may not be a |
| affected by the economy are: | | | | high priority right now. |
| National and Community Foundations - Many nonprofit | | | | There are some things that charities and nonprofit |
| organizations receive a significant portion of their | | | | organizations can do during tough economic times. |
| budget from foundation grants. The money that the | | | | They are: |
| foundations have is frequently in stock market | | | | Remember the basics of fund-raising. State your |
| investments. The stock market has seen a decline of | | | | needs in a compelling way. Tell potential donors |
| around forty percent in the past year and | | | | exactly what you need and what you are going to |
| foundations have less money to give. | | | | do with their donation. Let them know how they will |
| Food banks - Food banks are reporting they are | | | | be making a difference. Do not waste their donations |
| currently feeding more people than usual and are | | | | or give the appearance you may be. Thank your |
| worried that they will not have enough food to feed | | | | donors as soon as you receive their help. |
| the needy during the holidays which is when they | | | | Those who supported you in the past, will probably |
| feed the most people. Donations of money are also | | | | support you in the future. Ask for smaller donations |
| down from previous years. | | | | or ask for small monthly donations. |
| Homeless Shelters - Shelters are reporting that they | | | | Examine areas where your charity can cut back. |
| are already housing more people than in past years. | | | | Large fund raising events, such as holiday galas, which |
| They are anticipating that when the weather turns | | | | are expensive to produce, can be scaled back or |
| cold they will need to help more people. Shelters will | | | | canceled. Prioritize your programs and continue with |
| be needing more donations of money, blankets, | | | | the ones that you can afford to do. |