Last week 100,000 job cuts were announced by various nationwide companies, the economic stimulus bill has been increased yet again and state governments are making substantial budget cuts. All of these things mean less money is available for spending. But there is also less available for giving.
University-affiliated service organizations that function on donations and fundraising proceeds are learning to shift with the tide as the economic crisis carries financial stability farther away. As the national deficit ticks up, organizations are experiencing substantial losses due to declining donations and lack of fundraising profits.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, an organization that often uses NCSU students to mentor at-risk youths from low-income, single-parent homes, is experiencing the effects of a slouching economy in its fundraising efforts.
John Tedesco, Vice President of Development for BBBS of Wake County, said the organization has seen a sharp decline in donations from private foundations and grants. He said this year the organization is relying on fundraising efforts more than ever before, but the upcoming events are looking grim.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake, an event traditionally popular with NCSU students, registers participants into a bowling competition that raises money for BBBS of Wake County’s mentor program.
Tedesco said usually about 500 people participate but this year only about 200 have signed up. Each registered team commits to raise a minimum of $500. With this year’s projected attendance expected to be almost half what the organization is accustomed to, BBBS of Wake County is preparing to see a weighty drop-off in proceeds.
The event’s website, www.bowl4kids.com, states that donations for February’s event are currently totaled at $1,610, a far cry from the $40,000 raised last year. BBBS of Wake County has through the week of Feb. 21 to make up the difference.
Habitat for Humanity, an organization familiar to many students, is experiencing hard financial times as well.
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Woody Yates, said that the organization’s general contributions were down by about $85,000 during the first six months of the 2008 fiscal year.
In spite of sparse funding, Yates said the Wake County chapter of Habitat is remaining optimistic during the economic crisis.
“The Wake County chapter has not had an upside-down flip. In fact, there is a silver lining in the midst of this dark cloud – Habitat has been able to take advantage of cheap land prices,” he said.
Yates said that before Habitat is able to break ground for a housing project, the organization must first raise $35,000.
This has always been an expensive figure for the non-profit organization. However, due to declining property values in The Triangle, less of that sum has had to go directly to the purchase of land.
Habitat was able to purchase 34 lots at below-market rates at the end of last year. In addition, Yates commented on how Habitat of Wake has a consistent number of volunteers, perhaps even with a slight increase in recent months.
Students who are committed volunteers but have little responsibility crunching numbers in service organizations have witnessed fundamental changes as well.
Service Raleigh, an annual citywide day of service organized exclusively by students, is working to adapt to a shoestring budget while preparing for this year’s event, scheduled to take place March 28.
“Dollars don’t stretch as far as they have in the past, but it is our job to get creative with the ways we use our money,” Greg Wilson, a senior in fisheries and wildlife science and Service Raleigh co-chair, said.
He also said things like food donations from U.S. Food Service and a Wolf Copy Card Donation from NCSU Libraries will ensure this year’s event is a success.
Sarah Lawrence, a sophomore in psychology, is a tutoring officer for Habitat.
“It’s been hard to get businesses to donate school supplies and educational games since the start of the fall semester.”
