Giving Drops with Economy

COLUMBUS: Reflecting the continuing economic struggles, total charitable giving in Ohio fell from $6.54 billion to $5.87 billion in 2009, down 10 percent, according to a report Ohio Grantmakers Forum has released. The historic peak of charitable giving in the Buckeye State reached $7.38 billion in 2007.

Ohioans donated 7 percent less in 2009 than they did in 2008, although the total given reached a hefty $4.36 billion. The decrease follows on the heels of a more significant decrease of 11 percent in 2008, when the recession struck its hardest blow. Individuals in Ohio, as in the rest of the country, make up the vast majority of charitable gifts: 75 cents of every $1 in gifts to charities came from Ohio residents who donated to their favorite causes.

Foundation giving topped out at $1.22 billion in 2009, an 8 percent decrease. This was the first decrease in giving since 2002, during the aftermath of the country’s last recession. In 2008, foundation giving in Ohio had increased by a modest 3 percent.

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 its members to fulfill their charitable goals.