Charities Aid Foundation

July 7, 2009 — Is there some good news on the horizon for U.S. charities hampered by reduced donor contributions?   A recent Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) survey found that 42 percent of charities in the United Kingdom are struggling to deliver services because of the ongoing recession.  The survey also showed that low interest rates have reduced contributions and are forcing almost half (45 percent) of charities to dip into their savings or reserves to deliver essential services, a pattern that is further weakening the finances of charities already facing fundraising pressures.

The cost to aid budgets of the world economic downturn is headed for billions of dollars, slashing assistance to the world's poorest people just as it becomes harder for them to make money for themselves.