Funders from around the region and across the state met at The Dairy Barn in Athens to discuss the economic crisis and how it is impacting their organizations and communities. They were joined by representatives from Senator Sherrod Brown’s office to learn about the Federal Stimulus Package and how it could impact the Appalachian Region in Ohio.

Presenters
George Espy, president, Ohio Grantmakers Forum
David Hodapp, Appalachian Community Liaison (Athens), Senator Sherrod Brown’s Office
Jeanne Wilson, Appalachian Community Liaison (Marietta), Senator Sherrod Brown’s Office

Summary
Most in attendance have seen significant loss in their assets over that past year from 24 – 40%. They will either be funding at the same level as last year or see a slight reduction this year. Most have had similar number of requests this year as last. One member saw a 50% reduction in the number of requests at the last deadline. Many have communicated with their grantees about the impact of the recession on their grantmaking. All in attendance expect the numbers to be worse in 2010.

As a result

• Funders are being more diligent about grant decisions to make sure they are getting the most impact in the community.
• Funders are looking more closely at the way they release multi-year grants to make sure that there is not an interruption of service in the community.
• Funders are cutting back on capital campaigns and capital grants.
• Boards are discussing providing operating grants as well as project grants to help nonprofit organizations keep the doors open and services in tact.
• Most funders are not shifting priorities but being more sensitive to basic community needs of food, shelter, disaster relief and health care.
• Funders are looking for other ways beyond grants to help nonprofits in the community.
• In some communities in the southeast region there are a significant number of nonprofit organizations going out of business.
• Funders have been approached by nonprofit organizations that have never requested funding in the past.
• Federal stimulus dollars will be available to communities and agencies in the region over the next year.
• Funders can have a role in helping local communities and agencies access those dollars through matching funds, convening groups to work together and providing technical assistance.
• Funders that serve the region will continue to meet to discuss needs, gaps in service and collaborative opportunities in the region.