Philanthropy faces an inherent paradox during this period of market instability and recession; precisely as asset bases bear the brunt of the downturn, the needs of the communities we serve increase dramatically.

DFW recognizes the fundamental challenges you face and wants to support you as you thoughtfully weigh your options on how to proceed. It is crucial to consider the issue broadly and factor in many strategies to your response. These resources are intended to add to that dialog and help grantmakers adapt to the changing economic environment.

Updates will be made regularly to provide the most current information coming from the philanthropic field.

Voices from the Milwaukee Area Nonprofit Sector
When the economic recession hit in 2008, the Donors Forum of Wisconsin convened its membership to discuss how grantmakers were being affected by the economic crisis and the broader implications for the social sector. Based on the outcome of these meetings, Donors Forum of Wisconsin designed and facilitated a series of listening sessions in March 2009 for funders and nonprofit leaders to share strategies and concerns regarding how to ensure that resources and services are available to meet community needs.

Wisconsin Nonprofits: Coping with the Economic Crisis
A report from Forward Community Investments on the Economic Downturns affect on Wisconsin's nonprofit associations.

"Foundations Trim Staff as Assets Decline"
New York Times article on cuts at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and others.

A Strategy for Tough Times
Independent Sector's guide on increasing core support to help nonprofits thrive.

The New Currency - Pro Bono Work"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel artical on corporate philanthropy and volunteerism.

"Tread Lightly in Nonprofit Mergers"
The Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece by Peter Goldberg stresses that nonprofit leaders need to know much more than we do now on mergers and acquisitions.

"Senate Measure Seeks to Spur Foundations to Give More"
The New York Times article on new legislation introduced to Congress March 23rd, 2009.

"Limiting Deductions on Charity Draw Ire"
The New York Times article on the Obama administration's proposal to limit the value of deductions for charitable gifts, reducing the limit from 35% to 28% for those making over $250,000.

A First Look at the Foundation and Corporate Response to the Economic Crisis
An examination of foundation and corporate support in response to the current economic crisis. It is part of an ongoing Foundation Center research series intended to shed light on the impact of the economic downturn on the nonprofit sector.

The President's American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
President Obama's agenda for the economy, as stated on the White House official website.

"Top Milwaukee executives expect Obama's stimulus plan to work"
Milwaukee area business leaders reflect on President Obama's stimulus plan, responding to a survey from the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

"Surviving Tough Economic Times: Q&A With Clara Miller, President/CEO, Nonprofit Finance Fund"
The Foundation Center's blog PhilanTopic includes an interview with Clara Miller, President/CEO or Nonprofit Finance Fund, regarding the economy, nonprofit collaborations, and revenue streams.

The Global Financial Crisis and Philanthropy: Altering Course in a Perfect Storm
Insights from The Atlantic Philanthropies on the impact of the economic crisis on philanthropy

"Managing Through Tough Times: 7 Steps"
Bridgespan article on key steps for the nonprofit and philanthropic sector

New York Times Special Section on Giving
Several articles on philanthropy including the following:

• "Bracing for Lean Times Ahead" – a discussion of commentaries from several sources on potential outcomes for philanthropy in the difficult economy
• MacArthur Foundation Letter to the Editor - a response to the above article from the president of the MacArthur Foundation, entitled "In Tough Times, Foundations Must Keep Giving"
• "Helping America Keep Its Innovative Edge" – a discussion of the role philanthropy plays in supporting innovation
• "Ensuring That Gifts Go Where They’re Needed" – article on diligence and ensuring that donations are used effectively
• "Strapped for Cash—Worried About a Pledge You Can’t Afford" – strategies for dealing with multi-year gifts
• "Want a Business Plan?  Log on for Free Advice" – article on the Bridgespan Goup, which offers management consulting to nonprofits and philanthropic organizations.

National Economic Data
Charts from several national sources on the US economy

"Council on Foundations Open Letter"
Council on Foundation (COF) Board Chair Ralph Smith and COF President and CEO Steve Gunderson's letter to COF members and colleagues regarding the current economic situation and their recommendations for the field.

"What the Council on Foundations Should Have Said to Its Members"
The editors of The Nonprofit Quarterly take an editing pen and rewrite the Council on Foundation's Open Letter to members and colleagues.

Open Letter from GEO Executive Director Kathleen Enright
Kathleen Enright offers advice on effective grantmaking during the economic crisis. 

Five Quick Questions for your CFO
BoardSource quick-guide for taking the pulse of your organization's finances

"A Giving Recession?"
An article in The Economist reflects on philanthropy in the Economic Downturn

"Giving in Recessions and Economic Slowdowns"
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University researched and wrote a Giving USA spotlight on how recessions and economic slowdowns affect giving.

"Past Economic Downturns and Outlook for Foundation Giving"
The Foundation Center's PhilanTopic blog evaluates past trends in giving during recessions. Their analysis goes back as far as 1975, when the Foundation Center began collecting data.