For immediate release
Feb. 5, 2010
Contact: George E. Espy, 614.224.1344

COLUMBUS: Many funders report that their assets recovered strength by the end of 2009 and nearly half expect to hold their 2010 grantmaking at last year’s level, when most had decreased the dollars awarded. About one-quarter expect to increase their grant dollars this year. These are among the key findings from a survey of foundations and corporate grantmakers Ohio Grantmakers Forum conducted in January and released in its annual grantmaking outlook report. The report, complete with analysis and graphs, is available online at ohiograntmakers.org.  

With 60 percent of survey respondents reporting their assets increased in the last 12 months, about one-quarter expect to increase the amount of dollars they give to nonprofits, roughly the same amount who anticipate decreasing their grant budgets. These expectations come after a year when 57 percent report they had decreased their grant dollars. Nearly 70 percent of respondents expect to review more requests for funding in 2010.

“This year’s report shows encouraging recovery of assets that occurred toward the end of last year, as the stock market regained its strength. However, it is unlikely that grantmaking will return to pre-recession levels this year. Once again, we see that Ohio funders are tightening their own belts and are working hard to sustain nonprofits during these difficult economic times,” says OGF President George E. Espy.

About one- quarter of respondents are making emergency grants and half are making grants that promote nonprofit collaboration, partnerships or mergers. More than a third of OGF’s respondents are also prioritizing funding for certain types of grantees, such as those meeting basic needs.

The 75 survey respondents reflect the diversity of Ohio’s grantmaking community, from small private foundations to large community foundations as well as corporate giving programs, and from all regions of the state. Together, respondents held about one-third of the state’s charitable assets and awarded a third of its grants.

Ohio Grantmakers Forum is an association of foundations, corporate contributions programs and other grantmaking organizations. Its mission is to provide leadership for organized philanthropy in Ohio and to enhance the ability of members to fulfill their charitable goals.

###