Author: Schnaue, Fred

Publication Year: 1980

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This book covers all types of giving to all sectors. The following information is from the chapter on giving to arts, culture and humanities. Americans contributed a record $2.96 billion to their cultural organizations and institutions during 1980, an increase of 9.6 percent from the $2.70 billion given the year before.

Abstract:

This book covers all types of giving to all sectors. The following information is from the chapter on giving to arts, culture and humanities. Americans contributed a record $2.96 billion to their cultural organizations and institutions during 1980, an increase of 9.6 percent from the $2.70 billion given the year before. The American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel said the rise in voluntary support did not match the increased costs faced by the nation's theatres, orchestras, museums, public broadcasting facilities, operas and other forms of art and humanities. The estimated total giving to the arts and humanities represented 6.2 percent of all philanthropy in the during 1980, the same as in 1979. And while the private support for the nation's cultural activities is at an all-time high, it does not have a tranquilizing effect on those within the sector who at the beginning of 1981 faced substantive cuts in government support for their activities. For many years, despite increasing attendance, rapidly rising costs have gnawed at the small - as well as large - cultural institutions and agencies and it was only a partnership of government, philanthropy and prudent management that enabled many to survive in an inflation ridden economy. With the cloud of a loss in government funding combined with still rising costs facing the cultural organizations, many with their backs to the wall are looking toward an increase in private donations as a measure of pure survival. One thing is certain: Private support will increase - as it has each year for the past quarter-century. But it will not increase nearly enough to offset the loss of government support. Nor can an increase in earned income through higher admission fees make up for the anticipated loss. Donations from the nation's business community, from its foundations and from individuals have increased dramatically. (p. 53-54)

CONTENTS
Philanthropy 1980.

Sources of philanthropy:
     Individuals.
     Bequests.
     Foundations.
     Corporations.

Total giving 1955-1980.

Areas of philanthropic opportunity:
     Religion.
     Education.
     Health and hospitals.
     Social welfare.
     Arts and humanities.
     Civic and public affairs.
     Volunteers.

Philanthropy in 1982 - an altered state?

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Fundraising