Changes in giving by source, 2006–2007 and 2007–2008,
and 2006–2008 cumulative
(Adjusted for inflation)

Total

- 5.7%

- 2.5%
Cumulative change,
2006 to 2008*

3.4%

Individual

- 6.3%

- 4.1%

2.3%

Bequest

- 6.4%

4.7%

Foundation

-0.8%

Corporate - 8.0%

2007–20082006–2007 Percentage change from previous year

-0.9%

- 2.0%

11.4%

10.5%

- 8.8%

* The cumulative change is calculated separately and is not the sum of the changes in the two years. It is not graphed.

Total giving in 2008 fell an estimated 5.7 percent, adjusted for inflation, compared with growth of 3. 4 percent in 2007. Cumulatively, since 2006, giving has fallen an estimated 2. 5 percent.

Individual giving declined 6. 3 percent in 2008, after adjusting for inflation. It increased 2. 3 percent in 2007. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is a decline of 4. 1 percent.

Estimated charitable bequests declined 6. 4 percent, adjusted for inflation, in 2008. Charitable bequests increased an estimated 4.7 percent in 2007. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is a drop of 2.0 percent, adjusted for inflation.

Grantmaking by independent, community, and operating foundations fell 0.8 percent, adjusted for inflation, in 2008. In 2007, foundation grantmaking rose by 11. 4 percent, and the cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 was 10. 5 percent.

Corporate giving fell an estimated 8.0 percent in 2008, adjusted for inflation, reflecting a difficult year for profit-making in most industry sectors. Corporate giving declined an estimated 0.9 percent in 2007. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 was a decline of 8. 8 percent. Nonetheless, corporate giving in 2008 remains above the level it reached in 2004, prior to the natural disasters that inspired high levels of corporate giving in 2005.