Winter 2011

From The President

You’ve likely heard by now that Giving USA found giving to be up 3.8% in 2010 following two years of decreases during the Great Recession. Recently, The Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving reported that overall giving increased by 3.9% for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the same period last year. In addition, the S&P 500 has regained 86% of its pre-recession value. Most indicators point to the fact that giving is on the rise but what can we really expect as we gear up for 2012? 

In this edition, we offer you some insight on what to expect with regard to the economy from a Professor of Economics and Dean of ODU’s College of Business & Public Administration, tips on how to position your organization for success in the New Year and development advice from the CEO of a leading community foundation.

We here at The Curtis Group look optimistically forward to the year to come. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and as always, thanks for reading.

W. Keith Curtis, President

The Economy Looking Forward: An Interview with Dr. Gil Yochum*

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce data, by the third quarter of 2011 the U.S. economy finally surpassed the previous peak in GDP, which occurred in the third quarter of 2007. It only took 15 quarters to get here which is historically twice as long as it’s taken in the worst American post-war recessions (1973 & 1981).  In a more typical recession it takes the economy around five quarters to recover to its previous GDP high.

Preparing for Success in the New Year

Wendy McGrady, Vice President

As 2011 draws to a close, we offer you our “Top Five List” of things you can do now to position your organization for success in 2012 and beyond. Before the New Year gets in full swing, take the time to do the following:

Angelica Light: Reflections on Philanthropy

This March, one of Hampton Roads’ great leaders in philanthropy will hang up her hat. After nearly 13 years in her role as president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Angelica Light will soon embark on what we know will be the next successful chapter of her life. We applaud her for the significant impact she has made on our nonprofits, our community and philanthropy in our region and have asked her to share some parting words of wisdom from her vast experience in the development field…

Nonprofit News

Keith Curtis has been elected to serve as treasurer of the Giving USA Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing the research, education and public understanding of philanthropy nationally.

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