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. Charities face a sobering environment for charitable giving this holiday season despite their perceptions that the giving climate improved slightly since last summer. The PGI, similar to a Consumer Confidence Index for charitable giving, is now 71.1, an increase of 8.7 percent since summer 2009 and up 9.8 percent from this time last year. The Present Situation Index was 62.5, up 7.7 percent from six months ago and down 1.7 percent from one year ago. The Expectations Index, at 79.8, increased 9.6 percent from six months ago and 20.7 percent from a year ago.
The full PGI report is available to premium
service members of the Center on Philanthropy or available
to purchase separately.
For questions or copies of the
report please contact Reema T. Bhakta at the Center on Philanthropy,
317-278-8996, .
