Author: Hass, Debra A. and Morrissey, Rachel W.

Publication Year:

Media Type: Report

Summary:

The Donors Forum of Chicago surveyed its local member grantmakers and partners in the nonprofit sector to understand the impact of 9/11 on their organizations, spending, and budgets.  Respondents included 66 grantmaking organizations that awarded $1.1 million in grants in 2001 and 120 nonprofit organizations that had a median annual budget of $1.4 million in 2001.

Abstract:

The Donors Forum of Chicago surveyed its local member grantmakers and partners in the nonprofit sector to understand the impact of 9/11 on their organizations, spending, and budgets.  Respondents included 66 grantmaking organizations that awarded $1.1 million in grants in 2001 and 120 nonprofit organizations that had a median annual budget of $1.4 million in 2001. 

Some of the key findings about grantmaking organizations include:

• 9/11 had no apparent impact on local giving, though 48% of the organizations reported giving to 9/11 relief efforts.
• The average decrease in assets was 12%; attributing this to the recession.
• A majority of the grantmakers reported a grant budget increase in 2001.
• Funders continued to pay out pre-9/11 grants even if it exceeded their ability to give.
• Funders are not pursuing new funding areas, but are committing to predetermined priorities.
• Funders are concerned about state budget cuts and an increase in nonprofit requests.

Some of the key findings about nonprofit organizations include:

• Nonprofits experienced a greater impact than funders due to the recession.  Programming, expectations, and budgets were affected.
• Operating reserves declined or stayed the same within the past year.
• Nonprofits report an expected increase in their services, especially health and service organizations.
• Nonprofits report a decrease in grant revenue from corporations, individual donors, and other funders.

Link:

http://www.donorsforum.org/forms_pdf/6monthslater.pdf

For More Information Contact:

Kristin R. Lindsey, Senior Vice President, Donors Forum of Chicago
Telephone: 312.327.8940
E-mail: [email protected]

Laura Svendsen, Communications Coordinator, Donors Forum of Chicago
Telephone: 312.327.8942
E-mail: [email protected]

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Fundraising