Not a great time for nonprofits
You guessed it: contributions to nonprofits have gone south with the economy. Among those organizations suffering the most are the ones catering to the arts. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
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TEXT OF STORY
Scott Jagow: Nonprofits account for about 10 percent of the U.S. economy. And of course, when the economy goes south, so do contributions to nonprofits. Since this could be a pretty rough downturn, we thought we'd check in and see how some nonprofits are doing so far. Here's Rachel Dornhelm.
Rachel Dornhelm: Spirit in the House is a Minneapolis arts festival that's going into its fifth year. Keeping Money in the House has become the big challenge for executive director Dean Seal. He said fundraising was moving ahead pretty well until a month and a half ago. Since then it dropped off, and he decided to cancel a benefit he planned for later this month.
Dean Seal: You know I might get people at the $20 level, but I won't get anybody at the $500 level. So we're just putting it off.
Chronicle of Philanthropy editor Stacy Palmer says small organizations like Seal's are the first to feel the pinch. Other groups that have already taken a beating include the many charities funded by financial institutions.
Stacy Palmer: Groups that are in New York that are dependent on banking money, those are the groups that are feeling a big hit right away.
Palmer says arts organizations suffer most during tough times. Donors tend to favor social organizations -- groups they feel are helping the most in need.
I'm Rachel Dornhelm for Marketplace.
Comments
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From Dallas, TX, 11/20/2008
In these difficult financial times, non-profits must be creative and find ways to tell their stories passionately as well as to provide extra value to donors. To this end, our organization has established a Coalition to End Crimes Against Children that offers members easy access to experts in the field of child abuse, a quarterly e-newsletter and a discount on events. Sometimes, donors need more than just to feel good about their donation - they need to receive something of value in return. www.dcac.org
From Rockford, IL, 10/14/2008
In Rockford, Illinois, we are just completing a hugely successful Pennies for Peace fundraiser with the goal of raising $50,000 to build and support a school in Afghanistan. Our current total is $66,908.74 - and we are still adding more contributions! Additionally, we estimate we have included 50,000 people in our community with this project.
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