On Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 2:41 PM, Sue Gardner <sgardner(a)wikimedia.org> wrote:
[snip]
FWIW, it is also conventional wisdom that "small gifts" (the bulk of
what comes in through our online fundraiser) remain fairly insensitive
to economic turmoil until and unless the turmoil looks very bad, and
looks like it will last a very long time. (I expect that individuals
start cutting back their charitable donations at about the same time
they make other personal cutbacks, like cancelling vacations, skipping
evenings out, etc.) Foundation grants are considered fairly impervious
to economic downturn; corporate grantmaking programs semi-susceptible
because the budgets of some are tied to the organization's own financial
performance. It is also the case that in economic hard times,
philanthropy shifts somewhat away from charities like museums and
schools, towards those providing basic necessities such as food and
housing.
[/snip]
Very good post Sue, great to know that all of this is being looked after and
taken
care of. One thing I might point out. You mention above(I quoted the
relevant bit)
that you believe people will start cutting charitable donations when they
cut
personal spending. I am afraid that time is already upon us. Most people (at
least
that I know) have hit a point financially where vacations and a night on the
town
are a luxury we just can't afford, at least not with the regularity a
different
economy could afford.
Sad, but true :(
-Chad