Research

2011 Cygnus Donor Survey Research Supplement

...Is the faltering economy affecting year-end fundraising?

Earlier this year, Cygnus Applied Research, Inc. published its third annual survey which investigates where donors are taking their philanthropy over the next twelve to eighteen months. Overall, we reported quite a positive outlook among donors, with the majority of respondents planning to give the same or more to charitable causes this year over 2010. As a matter of fact, 2011 marked the first year since inaugurating this study that Cygnus was able to report an across-the-board optimistic view concerning donors’ plans for giving.

That was February. Now, six months later, the economy appears to be faltering again and we are wondering whether donors might have answered questions about giving intentions differently had they been asked today. As a result, Cygnus is in the process of drafting a follow up survey to donors to gather their views, especially because not-for-profits are about to enter the most crucial period of the year for fundraising.

Before we put this supplementary survey in the market, we would welcome any information or thoughts you may have on whether/how the economy is affecting fundraising in your not-for-profit. We are especially interested in hearing from you if you are seeing signs from your own fundraising appeals or conversations with major donors that intentions for giving may be shifting – in either direction. We would also appreciate knowing the approximate percentage of funds raised in your organization that come in between October and December, if you are able to share that information.

If you have any thoughts to offer, simply we would appreciate hearing from you by Friday, September 9th.


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