(Host) The state’s non-profit organizations say that despite the economic downturn, support from Vermonters remains steady.
That’s in line with historical trends that show that charitable giving doesn’t drop off significantly during a recession.
Peter Espenshade is with the Vermont Community Foundation. He says there’s a good reason people continue to give money when times are bad.
(Espenshade) "People want to support non-profits. They want to feel that they have some control and some say in the world."
(Host) But Espenshade says non-profits are still making cutbacks because their expenses are going up. The economic downturn is also affecting them in other ways.
(Espenshade) "For example, I was talking to the director of a performing arts theater and she said that giving is strong but ticket sales are down. Talking to people who run animal shelters – the shelters are full because people can’t afford to keep their pets."
(Host) Espenshade says even when people have to cut back on financial support for non-profits, they find other ways to help out – like volunteering or serving on boards and committees.