Hell: How Was It For You?

    2009 was rougher than 2008 and that’s saying something. More than half of the nonprofits surveyed in GuideStar’s Annual Nonprofit Economic Survey reported a decline in contributions for the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Keep in mind that 2008 was an awful year – the U.S. saw the largest decline in charitable contributions in since 1987 and only the second decline since Giving USA started tracking the numbers in 1956. Yikes!

    Here in Colorado, the updated report Weathering the Storm: Challenges and Opportunities Facing Colorado Nonprofits During Recession demonstrates that nearly half of the 450 nonprofit respondents expected to fall short of their revenue goals at the end of 2009. More than 60 percent reported losing a major funder due to the economy.

    This same report showed that perseverance is the name of the game. Nonprofits all across the state tackled financial challenges head-on by collaborating, increasing fundraising activity, working with more volunteers and reducing expenses.

    We’ve seen evidence of that tenacity right here on the Front Range. In the midst of recession, Golden West retirement community launched its first-ever “Friends and Family Campaign” and increased their individual donor base by 144%!

    In the coming weeks, we’ll explore successes like this in more detail. What’s working during these tough times – and what’s not. We’ll also be asking you how you’ve managed to survive — and hopefully thrive!

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