Gratitude for Grantmakers

The National Council of Nonprofits, convener of the Nonprofit Congress, just issued this press release (we don’t usually post them up wholesale, but this issue was too important to ignore):

Generosity of Foundations Celebrated by National Council of Nonprofits

Washington, DC (Dec. 9) – Both despite and because of the nation’s growing economic crisis, several grantmakers are increasing their philanthropic efforts, and the National Council of Nonprofits wants to thank them by recognizing their leadership.

Its new online Gratitude for Grantmakers page highlights grantmakers across the country that are stepping forward in these challenging economic times, providing additional financial support to nonprofits so they, in turn, can continue to provide critically needed services to those in need.

“As community-based nonprofits struggle to meet skyrocketing demands and deliver even more services to those needing help, it’s heart-warming to have community champions, such as the foundations identified on our new webpage, step forward to help nonprofits meet their missions by giving more,” said Tim Delaney, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. “We celebrate their leadership, applaud their commitment to their communities, and thank them for recognizing that they are vital partners with America’s nonprofits. Together, nonprofits and grantmakers are making a real difference for their communities,” Delaney added.

One grantmaker on this virtual “wall of fame” is the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, which has allocated an additional $1 million in Community Relief Grants to support local nonprofits in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, the Piper Charitable Trust’s website encourages individuals to help by giving “generously” to their local nonprofits.

Foundations are major contributors to nonprofits, providing more than 12 percent of all donations to the nonprofit sector, according to the Giving USA Foundation (2006).

The Gratitude for Grantmakers page is the latest feature of the National Council of Nonprofits’ recently unveiled Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center, an online clearinghouse for information and strategies to help nonprofits deal with economic challenges.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Clawson, Communications and Development Associate at 202.962.0322 or by email.