Nonprofits are obviously worried and taking steps to mitigate the damage that the global economy will have on its budget. A recent survey by the Center on Philanthropy shows that households with an annual income of less than $50,000 are likely to stop giving as a result of the economic downturn. More of these stories can be found in the recent NY Times article, Bracing for Lean Times Ahead. So how will the economic downturn affect Asian American nonprofit organizations?
Lynda Lin, Assistant Editor of Pacific Citizen, recently wrote the article, Asian American Nonprofits are Struck Hardest. She interviewed several executive directors from Asian American nonprofit organizations including Asian American LEAD in DC, Seattle-based Asian Counseling and Referral Services and the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). Her findings reveal the same themes that run across most national nonprofit organizations: needs are greater so nonprofits have more people to serve; nonprofits relying on corporations working in the financial and housing areas as funders will likely not see new contributions; and individuals will likely not renew or increase their membership gifts.
We have heard leaders in the field give sound advice as to how to help nonprofits adjust to the upcoming difficult times. However, what are they doing to help some of the most vulnerable groups cope with this impending crisis? In the Asian American community, I have not heard of a coalition, a town hall meeting, or a convening of any sort to help Asian American nonprofit groups. Perhaps the better question is, even if we do meet - what can we do about this? Any ideas?
Photo courtesy of shapeshift
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