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May 12, 2008

Economic Turmoil is Putting a Damper on Some Capital Campaigns

The rocky economy is making itself felt in capital campaigns across the country, according to an article in the current issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Among 35 fund raisers and other officials now engaged in campaigns who were interviewed for the story — and in an additional 20 interviews with consultants and other fund-raising experts — some common themes emerge.

• Numerous campaigns have depended on at least some big gifts that are not materializing because donors have experienced recent losses in income or assets.

• Many donors are putting off making any decision to give a big gift now.

• Some campaigns are being put off for now amid nonprofit officials’ concerns about the economy, while others are being extended to give fund raisers more time to reach their goals.

Is the poor economy hurting your capital campaign or other fund-raising efforts?

Monday May 12, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. We work primarily with churches but do also work with other Christian based ministries. On the church side pledges are down about 30% to 50% over a year ago. The economy is the key reason. We are emphasizing giving vs. pledging as a result.

   — Mark Brooks    May 14, 01:34 PM    #

2. That is very interesting, Mark. Are pledges down to campaigns or do churches ask members to make a pledge for the year?

   — Holly Hall    May 14, 04:10 PM    #

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