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DVG Releases Results of 2009 Philanthropic Outlook Survey

DVG's recently completed survey of its members provides insight into how the nationwide economic crisis will impact the regional giving in the coming year. For our 2009 Philanthropic Outlook Survey, 50 DVG members representing a range of funder types and sizes responded to a variety of questions on their assets, grant budgets, giving practices, and operations.

The KEY FINDINGS from the survey were:

• While most funders have suffered significant losses in assets, DVG members are committed to maintaining giving levels in 2009 to the degree possible.
• Despite the severe economic downturn of the past months, the impact on estimated 2009 giving has been mitigated by foundations’ use of a multi-year rolling asset average on which to base their grant budgets.
• Grantmakers have serious concerns about the toll the economic downturn may have on nonprofit services and operations.
• In addition to reviewing their grantmaking budgets, funders are assessing their own policies and practices in order to reduce administrative costs and allocate funds effectively.

>> Read the complete DVG 2009 Philanthropic Outlook Survey

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DVG Celebrates 21st Annual Meeting, Welcomes Five New Directors

The Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia provided a beautiful backdrop DVG’s 21st annual meeting and celebration.  Over 100 members of the association attended the January 8th event, which in addition to the election of the 2009 slate of directors and officers, featured keynote remarks from Gara LaMarche, President and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies, followed a networking reception.

DVG’s executive director Debra A. Kahn called the meeting to order. In her opening remarks, she thanked IBM for their support of this event, and expressed her appreciation to the members who have shared their insights and lessons during her first two months on the job. In describing DVG’s future direction, Kahn said, “Just as DVG advocates and supports giving with purpose, as an association we must be acting with purpose.  That means all of DVG’s activities need to be relevant and focused on achieving these goals.  And it means that the tools of teamwork and communication will be essential for our success.”

Next to take the podium was Fernando Chang-Muy, a member of DVG’s Governance Committee, who presented the 2009 slate of directors and officers, which was unanimously approved by voice vote.  Elected as Board Secretary was Laura Boyce, Director of Community Impact, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The new directors who join the board for a three-year term beginning immediately are:

• Denise M. Brown, Executive Director, The Leeway Foundation
• Michael DelBene, Vice President, Community Affairs Manager, Wachovia
• Russell Johnson, President and CEO, North Penn Community Health Foundation
• Lawrence T. Mangan, Trustee, First Hospital Foundation
• Valerie K. Martin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, John Templeton Foundation (West Conshohocken, PA)

DVG president Frances Sheehan honored several retiring members of the Board for their service:

Robert C. Fernandez, Esq., Genuardi Family Foundation
Fernando Chang-Muy, The Merchants Fund
Susan Lum Heckrotte, Independence Foundation
Bruce Melgary, The Lenfest Foundation
Kate D. Moore, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation

Following the business portion of the meeting, members were treated to a keynote speech by Gara LaMarch, who attempted to answer the question: Why on Earth Would a Foundation Try to Get Rid of All its Money? After a lively question and answer session with the audience, the meeting adjourned to enjoy conversation and networking at the cocktail reception.

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