The Impact of the Economy on Charitable Giving

Currently the global economy has taken the spotlight away from many of the issues that affect our lives from day to day. In times like these we often think about what we can do to cut back and save money. For me it has been reducing my cable TV package and cell phone usage. For many of our clients, cutting back is no longer an option; it is having enough to survive that has become the real challenge.

Many charities are aware that donations generally decrease during a recession; this has been the experience in the last four recessions. To put additional pressure on this historical trend, Calgary is in the wake of a boom and population increase. Many non-profits, like AIDS Calgary, are still struggling to catch up with their services. The effort to expand our programs to reach the number of people that require our services has now become ever more challenging.

Please take a moment to better understand the needs of our community and how much we rely on charitable organizations that exist within it. The programs and services provided by the range of not for profits in Calgary benefit our community in many ways. The work is often invisible and goes without notice. To simply cut back or remove programs offered by many organizations due to lack of funding would have a devastating impact on the quality of life for all Calgarians.

Just imagine a Calgary without homeless shelters, a food bank, or a Red Cross. The people that need the most help will suffer because we are trying to save a few dollars. We may all be scared to give because of the tough times ahead. We may all be feeling the impact of our current economic slowdown. We must remember that for many members of our community, these difficult economic times will be increasingly difficult to endure.

We all may have to make cuts and sacrifices to get through these tough times. The cable TV and cell phone package can endure a temporary cut, people living in your community may not. Please do not cut out your annual contribution to your favorite charitable organization.

To support the important work that AIDS Calgary does please click here to make a donation.