Will Obama's Plan Hurt Charities?

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THe two comments above are obviously NOT from the givers, but, from the receivers. I agree that everyone will be tightening their belts, but, just like everyone, the non-profits are going to have to look at their spending practices and see where cutbacks can be made.
During the "growth periods", non-profits may receive more money, and, as a result, "spend more" on non-"immediate-need" products and services. We are all required to look at our spending practices right now. It is, in the end, going to be good for our country stop the extravagant, unthoughtful spending and take a closer look at where our money is going. The non-profits that have not been frugal and reaponsible, may take a hit. The others, may be rewarded, in the end.
Just some thoughts....

barb of WI 1:26PM March 29, 2009

...but only watchful waiting will reveal the answer.
I am Director of Development for a nonprofit microlending agency which has an excellent track record for yielding results and performing our mission. Few nonprofit organizations have the ability to demonstrate as quantitatively as we can the relationship between funds raised (via grants and donations) and the ROI gained as our client micro-entrepreneurs create small business enterprises and thereby, generate revenue in their communities, prevent their families from "going on the dole," and generate well-received products and services. They repay their loans and even more impressively, many return to donate their time and money to help newbie entrepreneurs.
Despite an unquestionable ability to demonstrate all of this and a staff of creative, intelligent, and hardworking folk, we are nervous about early trends we can already detect. In the current economy, previous donors from a wide spectrum of means -- from the wealthiest to the most dedicated -- are re-evaluating their contributions and/or their terms.
As Bette Davis said in The Three Faces of Eve, "Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride!"

JAVA4DIVA of TX 3:41PM March 10, 2009

I'd like to sell you if you believe high end philanthropy by the very wealthy will be about the same with or without an Estate Tax.
That might be what you hear in poll surveys, but it will not be what you see in reality if Estate Tax were to go completely away.

Muser of NM 3:38PM March 05, 2009