Fundraisers Speak Out

Are you curious to know how the economy is impacting the fundraising efforts of large charities across America? We were. So we posed this and other questions to the executives at several of our 4-star charities.

During the course of the discussion, here’s what some of them had to say:

• “Just as the economy is forcing a shake-out in the for-profit sector, I believe this climate will push many charities to become lean and efficient. Competition for donors, dollars, and public awareness will lead to more mergers and partnerships -- and that's healthy for all of us.”- Cynthia Allen Smith, chief development officer, Central Florida YMCA
• "I'd like to encourage individuals to be selective and focused in making their charitable giving decisions... When donors make the choice to write larger checks to a smaller number of organizations, it allows them to be more connected with the organizations they support, and also allows nonprofit organizations to operate more efficiently and effectively." - Amy Robinson, vice president of development at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
• “I always encourage supporting a charity through ‘philanthropic shopping.’ I think this is an admirable and important way to support nonprofit organizations while spreading their mission.” - Kimber Leblicq, director of membership and development, Seattle Audubon Society

Visit the roundtable to read all of their candid responses.