Audubon Employees Donate to Own Nonprofit in Hard Times

Trout Unlimited, which works on watershed conservation, saw its revenue in the fiscal year to the end of September 2007 grow to $23.3 million from $20.5 million.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal welfare group, saw its total revenues grow in its 2008 fiscal year to $34.3 million from $31.2 million the year before but sees tough times ahead.

"PETA has had a number of donors cancel their pledges," said spokesperson Marissa Angeletti.

Audubon's total revenue grew to $104.2 million in the financial year ending June 30, 2008, from $82.4 million the previous year. But the outlook is grim for 2009 and 2010.

"So far, '09 is pretty close to flat on direct mail donations, but is lagging behind last year in ad Audubon magazine revenues and licensing as royalties are down and at least one major licensee has actually gone out of business," said Kavits.

"Membership renewals are also down. Commitments from major foundation and individual donors are being kept, since the money had already been set aside. But we, like many other groups are planning for a significant hit in fiscal year 2010 when the impact of decimated donor portfolios will take a toll on their giving," he said.