Holiday giving lags

More than half of the charities surveyed by the Chronicle of Philanthropy expect a drop in donations from a year ago. Falloff seems across the board, although there are some exceptions. Feeding America, a national network of more than 200 food banks, expects donations to grow by as much as 25 percent this year - no doubt helped along through its participation on the TV show "The Biggest Loser."

Interviews with fund raisers nationwide conducted by The Chronicle suggest that many charities are doing better in obtaining large gifts from some of their wealthiest donors and in persuading more people of modest means to give. But that is not enough to stave off a decline in overall contributions.

[CUT]

Meanwhile, upper-income donors who give stock or real estate -- or base their donations on the state of those investments -- are more likely to hold off altogether in making any donations in an uncertain economy. But those who feel secure enough to keep making big gifts are often inclined to give more in recognition of extraordinary economic needs.