Giving and Economy
Right now, many nonprofit professionals are grappling with questions about the economy. The most commonly-asked
question is this: what effect will the tumultuous U.S. economy have on charitable giving during this giving season,
in 2009, and beyond?
The answer is far from clear. However, several studies by the Center on Philanthropy offer some perspective.
Briefing on the Economy and Charitable Giving
Philanthropic Giving Index
The Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI) reveals current trends and future expectations in American philanthropic
giving. Nonprofit professionals reported the lowest overall level of confidence in the fundraising climate
for U.S. charities in over a decade. The PGI, similar to a Consumer Confidence Index for charitable giving,
is now 64.8, a 21.7 percent decrease from just six months ago and a 27 percent decrease since December of
2007. In the 10 years since the study began in 1998, the overall PGI has ranged from a previous low of 72.3
in summer 2003 to a high of 94.6 in December 1999.
The full PGI report is available to premium
service members of the Center on Philanthropy or available
to purchase separately.
The Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI) is sponsored
by The
Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. For questions or copies of the
report please contact Reema T. Bhakta at the Center on Philanthropy,
317-278-8996, .
