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Facts & Figures
Ford Foundation Takes Steps to Maintain Endowment
The Ford Foundation offered buy outs to 550 staff members as a tactic to avoid cuts in grantmaking. The foundation has generated $40 million in savings by reducing travel, implementing salary freezes, and other measures. For 2009, the Foundation plans to grant $528 million, a steady giving amount compared to 2008. For information, www.foundationcenter.org.
Adapting to Economic Challenges
According to a Bridgespan study there has been a shift in how nonprofits are responding to the down economy. In May 2009, 81 percent of nonprofits responding to the survey are working directly with current funders to address challenges they are facing due to the current economy, up from 79 percent in November 2008. In May 2009, 67 percent of companies were redesigning programs to cut costs, up from 59 percent in November 2008. For information, www.nptimes.com.
Estimated Giving in 2009
A survey conducted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy showed that 51 out of 96 companies surveyed plan to keep their donations steady from 2008 to 2009. Fifteen companies reported that their donations will decline while five companies expect an increase in giving. For information, www.philanthropy.com.
Arts Attendance Follows Economic Trends
Research conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts estimates that with every 1 percent decline in Gross Domestic Product, annual consumer spending on arts events will drop by 0.8 percent. In 2008 opera and jazz attendance decreased significantly and dropped below the 1982 rates. For information, www.nea.gov.
Take Note
Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Chairman of National Bank of Commerce Altus and National Treasurer for Americans for the Arts C. Kendric Fergeson will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in November. The Oklahoma Heritage Association is presenting this honor to Fergeson for his leadership in support of the arts and his role in the banking industry. For information, www.oklahomaheritage.com.
Creative Education Support
Campbell Soup Co. is revamping their Labels for Education initiative which has provided equipment and educational supplies to schools in exchange for soup proof of purchases over the past 36 years. Beginning in August, Labels for Education will put their focus on areas that schools are losing support in: arts, athletics, and academics. For information, www.labelsforeducation.com.
Celebrating the Cleveland Museum of Art Expansion
National City, now a part of PNC, is presenting the summer-long opening celebration of the East Wing at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The East Wing is the first of three new wings to be open to the public during the Cleveland Museum of Art’s major expansion. For information, www.clemusart.com.
Arts Education for a Creative Workforce
President and CEO of Americans for the Arts Robert L. Lynch spoke on the need for a comprehensive strategy for arts education in a Letter to the Editor featured in
The New York Times.
The arts are key to ensuring the future of a creative and disciplined workforce. For information, www.nytimes.com.
Upcoming Events
National Arts Marketing Project Conference
Release your inner superhero at the National Arts Marketing Project (NAMP) Conference,
CollaborAction: Arts Marketing, Sponsorship, and Fundraising Strategies That Work! In today’s troubled times, it’s more important than ever that you not hide behind a secret identity. Learn how you can save the day when it comes to marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising. Join your super colleagues at the 2009 NAMP Conference in Providence, RI, October 30–November 2, 2009. Help your organization face challenges and make the most of opportunities in this economic climate. Register before July 15 for the early-bird discount. To register, www.ArtsMarketing.org.
Speaking From Experience
“As a company driven by innovation, Qualcomm values and encourages creativity and imagination. Our support of the arts helps advance these principles that have been at the core of our success.”
—Paul E. Jacobs, CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated |
