Reflecting the continuing economic struggles, total charitable giving in Ohio fell from $6.54 billion to $5.87 billion in 2009, down 10 percent after the 11 percent decrease of 2008.
Individual donations to charities fell 7 percent from 2008 to 2009 in Ohio, although still reaching a hefty $4.36 billion. The decrease follows on the heels of a more significant decrease of 11 percent in 2008. Individuals in Ohio make up the vast majority of charitable gifts: 75 cents of every $1 in gifts to charities came from Ohio residents who made cash donations to their favorite causes.
Foundation giving topped out at $1.22 billion in 2009, an 8 percent decrease from 2008. This was the first decrease in giving since 2002, during the aftermath of the country’s last recession. Most of Ohio’s foundations are small: over 90 percent have less than $1 million in assets and usually grant less than $100,000 per year. While foundations are spread across Ohio’s 88 counties, most are concentrated in three urban counties: Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton Counties.
This post is republished with permission of Ohio Grantmakers Forum and originally appeared in Let's Talk Philanthropy.)
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