For many years I have heard the whispered wisdom that philanthropy was strong in the Great Depression of 1929!

But, I had never searched for the details.

Last week, some of our clients were panicking, and understandably so. They started saying things like: "The future is going to be terrible in every way. We won't be able to fundraise.”

Honestly, I was getting really depressed. (NOTE: I do think it’s important to acknowledge all the emotions we’re experiencing due to the current world situation. But the last thing I want my clients to do is freeze and lean into their panic.)

So, I took action and looked into fundraising and the Great Depression.

Thanks to the extensive research done by Robert Sharpe and The Sharpe Group, I found some fantastic data and particularly enjoyed this great article.

Read it! Tell everyone!

Here are a few things you’ll learn:

1. Charitable giving was alive and well in the Great Depression of 1929.
2. Charitable giving was even doing well during the Depression of 1908 - Wow, I’d never even heard of that one!
3. Giving does not decline significantly during recessions.
4. Bequests are important during economic downturns of any kind (and always, FYI).

I found the article inspiring. Hope it helps you re-focus, too.

Peter Heller is the Founder of the Heller Fundraising Group, a New York City-based fundraising consulting firm that works with local, national and international nonprofits on capital campaigns, campaign feasibility studies, major gift programs, and hands-on training. peter@hellerfundraisinggroup.com_