Recession: Here We Go Again

At noon today, the Dow Jones had fallen another 172 points and is now below 11,800. Washington won't use the "R" word -- but we're in one, for sure. Over a long career I've been through fire, flood, plague, high hem lines, low hem lines, depression, recession, prosperity, etc. Of course most of our clients are edgy. What to do?

• Cover the basics. Forget about "new" vs. "old" philanthropy. You get money by asking for it!
• Your donors are not going broke. They may not feel so good but the smart ones are covered. If you don't ask because you're waiting for better times, other causes will be picking at your flesh.
• The market indicators are off from their top postings - but still way above recent lows, viz. the days right after 9-11.

-- HG