Philanthropic Outlook Survey III (March 2010) Between January 2009 and February 2010, DVG conducted three Philanthropic Outlook Surveys to assess how members were adjusting their grantmaking and operations in light of the changing economic conditions. It was clear from the responses that members across the board have been making difficult choices in the face of the downturn and have serious concerns about the toll that conditions are having on the issues and organizations they support. Answers to our most recent survey reveal a modest improvement in circumstances over a year ago, tempered by continued caution. The survey found that assets are beginning to recover value following the steep decline of the past year. Almost two-thirds of our members identified Arts & Culture organizations as the nonprofits most adversely affected by economic conditions. On a positive note, while the majority of respondents felt the overall outlook for philanthropy in 2010 remained about the same, many also saw a "silver lining” from the downturn in the form of increased efficiency, focus and collaboration. >> Click on the graphic to the right to open a PDF of the survey summary.

2009 Members' Memo
(December 2009)

This two-page summary presents highlights and accomplishments from the past year.

Commonwealth Giving: A Report on Pennsylvania Philanthropy
(March 2008)

Commonwealth Giving: A Report on Pennsylvania Philanthropy reveals the magnitude and trends in individual and foundation giving in the state between 1995 to 2005. This report, a joint venture between DVG and our colleagues at Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, is the first overview of giving in the commonwealth compiled since 2001.  With data supplied by the Foundation Center and analyzed by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, the study provides a benchmark of how Pennsylvania giving compares to national philanthropic trends, and presents a comparison of charitable giving in the Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest regions of Pennsylvania.

  Download the full report (32 pages) or executive summary (8 pages).