13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Local charities hit hard by recession

Local charities hit hard by recession

Indianapolis - With our recession entering its second year, more Hoosiers are finding themselves on hard times. The dollars you contribute mean more than ever.

The bells may have been silenced, but the need is still there. Charities around central Indiana hope the generosity is still there, too. During hard times, that can be a tough sell, according to the IU Center for Philanthropy.

"In recessions that last eight months or more, giving falls by almost three percent," said Patrick Rooney, IU Center for Philanthropy. "It's very clear that charities are going to feel some pain and suffering during this recession."

Job loss is high. Incomes are down. The recipe calls for an increased demand on charities like the Gleaner's Food Bank. The ongoing Pack the Pantries drive has helped stock the shelves, but as quickly as the donations come in, they go back out. The Salvation Army is still engaged in its Tree of Lights campaign, which is $400,000 short.

"Where that money goes is to the Salvation Army programs right here in central Indiana. Our domestic violence shelter, for example, after school programs for kids, our disaster services, all those programs benefit from our Tree of Lights goal," said Mike Rowland, Salvation Army.

Even though individual giving drops in an extended recession, corporate giving and foundational giving helps fill the gap especially when there are matching grants.

"Corporate giving falls less slowly than individual giving. That's certainly part of it," said Rooney.

That's a philosophy the United Way has taken to the bank. The vast majority of its contributions come from individuals - through the corporations where they work.

"We're hearing from our agencies there is an increased need. Our concern is trying to help meet that need as best we can," said Dale DePoy, United Way of Central Indiana.

With that increased need, comes a more impassioned call for help.

"Now is the time to be a courageous donor and if you're still working and if you can afford to give a little bit more, that would be very beneficial to those are not in the same situation you are in. That's what I'd like people to hear," said DePoy.

It's a message that won't end just because the holidays did.