Philanthropy continues to be a key component in addressing the diverse and ever-changing needs of the Atlanta region. For The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, its work with more than 650 local philanthropists is contributing to these efforts. Results from a recent survey by the Foundation show that giving remains a priority for donors despite the challenging economic times, as does their commitment to making a difference in the community.
Seventy percent of Foundation donors report that their philanthropic contributions stayed the same or increased this past year. In 2008, donor-advised funds at The Community Foundation granted a record $72 million to nonprofits in the Atlanta region and beyond. Additionally, more than half of donors said that they volunteered at the same levels as the previous year, and one-third committed even more of their time.
When asked about their motivation to give, more than 80 percent indicated the desire to help improve quality of life in the community as their number one reason to give. Interestingly, there was no consensus regarding the most important issue facing the Atlanta region today. Education, income security, children and families, transportation and crime were all indicated by roughly half of the respondents.
“We see that our donors are passionate about a wide range of community issues and are interested in supporting diverse organizations working in those areas,” says Rob Smulian, vice president of philanthropic services at the Foundation. “In fact, close to half of our donors gave to different organizations this year than they have in the past. And more than half told us that they are interested in receiving information about organizations with which they are not familiar.”
Qualities most important to donors when deciding which nonprofits to support included strong mission and effective programs, well managed operations and finances, and a demonstrated impact in community needs. That’s good news to the Foundation, which transformed its competitive grantmaking this year to focus on strengthening the effectiveness of nonprofits. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Foundation’s Managing for Excellence award, given each year to an organization exhibiting outstanding nonprofit management.
“It’s clear that philanthropists in metro Atlanta are interested in building a healthier community. And they recognize that supporting strong organizations, financially but also as volunteers, is a valuable way to do that,” says Alicia Philipp, president of The Community Foundation.
“It’s great to see the passion of so many individuals and families and the enjoyment they receive from giving,” Philipp continues. “Some donors mentioned a gift to their church as their most memorable gift this year. Some shared that gifts to their alma maters or gifts to larger, more prominent nonprofits held great meaning. One donor’s most special gift was picking up cases of corn, tomatoes, beans and peaches from a local farmer’s market and delivering them to a women and children’s shelter whose pantry was literally empty. Each gift and each organization may be different, but the common thread is the passion behind improving communities that inspire philanthropists in our Atlanta region.”