Fund-Raising - Aug 7 No. 11 1957 Vol. 3

Sep 21, 2026

Compilation of news and notes related to fundraising, centered on the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel. Includes an analysis of the economic climate for giving in the second half of 1957, citing national income, consumer spending, corporate profits, and savings as influences on philanthropy. Reports multiple institutional grants and gifts for education, naming universities, foundations, and funding amounts to illustrate ongoing support for schools and programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Fund-Raising

THE E CONOMIC CLIMATE FOR GIVIN G

GIVING FOR_EDU CATION

ARYGROVE COLLEGE LIBRARDETROIT,MICHIGAN # °LEASE Do NOT REMOVg tinn e A Compilation of News and Notes Related to of THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATI0N 0F FUND-RAISING C0UN SEL # Fund-Raising AUG7 No.11 1957 Vol.3 st u g u ## THE E CONOMIC CLIMATE FOR GIVIN G-IntheSendhalf of 1957. By Harold Barkan of The American Cancer Society. The pattern of the American economy at the second half of 1957 continues to be arolling one -weak sectors are offset by strong sections.Many gains in key indicatorsresult from price increases. The economic environment for fund raising remainsfavorable. Gross national product increased slightly between the 1956 fourth quarter andthe 1957 first quarter.Rising costs and higher prices left real G.N.P.approximatelyunchanged from the preceding quarter,although higher than a year ago.For 1957 G.N.P.will be about $431 billion,a 4 per cent increase over 1956.The gains willrepresent mostly price rises. Personal consumer spending made a small advance between the 1956 fourthquarter and the 1957 first quarter.Compared to a year ago,the rate was substantiallyhigher. Consumer spending on non-durables and services made a small advance betweenthe 1956 fourth quarter and the 1957 first quarter.Compared to a year ago,the ratewas moderately higher. Purchases of durables rose at a somewhat slower pace in the 1957 first quarterthan in the 1956 fourth quarter.From 1956 to date,expenditures un durables have con-stituted a smaller percentage of total personal consumption expenditures than in 1955.No particular improvement in this sector can be expected in the near future because oflagging car sales,tight credit conditions and consumer unwillingne ss to increasematerially their indebtedness. Consumer credit has increased at a slower rate.Consumers are incurring debtmore slowly and repaying more rapidly than in the summer of 1955.Aided by risingincomes,consumers,in general,have shifted from deficit financing to more nearlybalanced budgets.High level consumer expenditures indicate money is available forspending.Flattening demand for durables and smaller increases in consumer creditindicate fewer long-term commitments and more money available for discretionaryspending.More rapid repayment of debts eventually releases additional funds for dis-cretionary spending. For 1957 personal consumption expenditures are expected to be about $279 billion,a 5 per cent increase over 1956.The gains will center in non-durables and services. Total per sonal income through May of 1957 was well above last year's sameperiod.In the second half,personal income will rise because of higher governmenttransfer payments and union workers'cost of living adjustments and annual improve-ment increases.For 1957,total personal income will be about $340 billion,a4 per cent increase over 1956. High personal income indicates the availability of money for spendingHowever,rising prices lessen the desire to spend on non-essential s and leavegreater opportunities for such other forms of dis cretionary spending as giving. Corporate profits(before taxes)for 1957 first quarter were moderatelyhigher than a vear ago.For 1957 profits will not move substantially above the 1956level because of the low-level of invento ries and the wage-cost s queeze. Corporate giving provides philanthropy with considerable sums.This yearwith tax rates basically the same and profits around last year's level,substantialcorporate gifts can again be expected. Personal savings for the 1957 first quarter were substantially higher than ayear ago but appreciably lower than in the preceding quarter.In the second halfpersonal savings are expected to rise moderately because price increases and tightcredit will limit the effective demand for many goods and services. Savings represent,in large part,non-expenditures available for giving.The present high level of savings represents a source of funds available forphilanthropy. The economy in the second half of 1

FAQs

What economic factors are presented as favorable for fundraising in 1957?

The document links favorable fundraising conditions to continued economic stability, higher consumer and personal income, elevated savings, and opportunities for discretionary spending created by repayment and pricing shifts.

How does the document describe consumer spending and consumer credit trends in early 1957?

It notes a small advance in consumer spending, moderately higher non-durable and services spending versus a year earlier, and slower growth in consumer credit alongside faster debt repayment.

What types of education-related giving are listed in the news and notes section?

The document enumerates grants and gifts to universities and institutions, specifying foundation or donor names, program purposes, and funding amounts for medical education, legal administration, teaching fellowships, and other academic initiatives.

Sep 21, 2026

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