The State of Fund Raising a Look Ahead — and Back

PRIVATE DONATIONS to charitable groups rose 13 percent from 1999 to 2000, according to The Chronicle‘s annual Philanthropy 400.

THE 400 AMERICAN CHARITIES that raised the most in 2000: The Chronicle‘s annual survey.

• The Philanthropy 400 at a Glance
• The Philanthropy 400 related charts
• How this year’s Philanthropy 400 rankings were compiled

FOR ALL THEIR SUCCESS in raising money last year, the largest charities are not immune from forecasts of a gloomy climate for fund raising in the months ahead.

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO increased its revenue substantially last year by tapping more corporations and foundations.

THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY attributes its big rise in gifts last year to its more decentralized fund raising through its state offices.

LIFE OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL gained new donors by changing the format of its television show from preaching to casual conversations on faith and other issues.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BOSTON saw big increases in gifts of $10,000 and up.

AS FEARS MOUNTED over the prospect of anthrax-contaminated mail, many charities scrambled to change the appearance of their direct-mail fund-raising appeals to reassure donors that the materials are safe.

SEVEN IN 10 Americans contributed to the relief effort, a new poll found.

MANY CHARITIES have lost billions of dollars in the value of their investment portfolios this year, prompting some to rethink how they invest and spend money.