Fund-Raising Bulletin - Vol. 4 - American Philanthropy in 1957

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurora

Compilation of periodical news and notes on fund-raising, centered on American philanthropy in 1957. Presents estimated total giving levels, year-over-year growth, and key macro factors influencing donation totals, including population, gross national product, and personal income. Breaks down giving by religious, higher education, health and welfare, and individual versus corporate sources, and discusses the early-1958 economic outlook for future fund-raising performance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Fund-Raising Bulletin

Vol. 4 - American Philanthropy in 1957

1957 Giving Totals and Growth Factors

Major Giving Categories and Beneficiaries

Individuals vs. Corporate Giving

Early-1958 Economic Outlook

# A Compilation of News and Notes Related to # Fund-Raising Vol.4 # AMERICAN_PHILANTHROPY_IN_1957 The Bulletin of THE AMERICAN ASS0CIATION 0F FUND-RAISING(0UNSEL No.1 J anu ary 1,1958 attained a new high,and is conservatively estimated to reach a total of $6,700,000,000.Total philanthropy in 1956 was estimated at $6,500,000,000. The 1957 total of $6,700,000,000 represents an increase of approxi-mately 4 percent over the previous year.Factors which may affect givingtotals are population,which in the same period increased 1.84 percent;grossnational product,which increased 4.9 percent;and personal income,whichincreased 4.93 percent. Religious giving,in 1957,for all faiths and all purposes,approximated $3,435,000,000,about nine percent above the 1956 total.New religious construc-tion during the year was valued at $870,000,000,the greater proportion of thissum coming from contributions. Higher education was a major beneficiary of the increased giving in1957.Total contributions to higher education are estimated to have exceeded$600,000,000 in 1957,with possibly $150,000,000 of this sum coming fromcorporations.Alumni giving which exceeded $100,000,000 in 1956 may show anincrease of at least 25 percent in 1957,according to preliminary returns. Giving to health and welfare,a major area of philanthropy,is esti-mated at $2,200,000,000 in 1957.Gifts for new hospital construction duringthe year approximated $202,000,000.United funds and community chests,whichoffer an index of giving in the health,welfare,recreation and character buildingfields,are reported likely to reach a total of $400,000,000 in 1957 campaigns,compared with $378,000,000 raised in 1956 campaigns. The contributions of individuals accounted for the greater part of thetotal philanthropic gifts,at least $5,230,000,000 of the total of $6,700,000,000contributed. Corporate giving is estimated to have exceeded $520 million in 1957. By Harold Barkan of the American Cancer Society. The economic climate,at the opening of1958,is still favorable tofund-raising.The trend of the economy,though deflationary,remains on avery high level.A shake-out year,rather than a severe contraction,appearsto be devoloping. A high rate of personal income is predicted for 1958 even though thesector is expected to continue declining for the next few months.During theslide,severe declines in purchasing power will be deterred by the multiple yearcontracts,whose terms provide employees with automatic annual improvementincreases and cost of living adjustments,and by the I'built-in stabilizers. Thelatter-social security,industrial pensions,unemployment benefits,and farmsupports -are cushions under con sumer demand.Upturn in defense industriesand predetermined wage increases from multiple year contracts.are expected toreverse the downward trend by early spring or summer. A high level of consumer spending also indicates availability of moneyfor giving(discretionary spending).The consumer spending sector is expectedto continue its upward trend throughout 1958,as increa'sed spending for nondur-ables and services more than compensate for declines in outlays for durables.Purchases of durables will be postponed because of high prices,tight credit terms,and unwillingness of consumers to increase materially their indebtedness. Considerable improvement is expected in the consumer debt po sition in1958 because more people will come out of debt than in either 1956 or 1957 andfewer will undertake new long-term commitments. Decline in demand for durables and improvement in debt position leavea greater potential for discretionary spending because less money is tied up in long-term commitments. Corporate profits are not expected to fall substantially in 1958 becausedeclining expenses will partly compensate for lower sales.Corporate tax rateswill remain unchanged because of national security needs.Total corporate givingshould,therefore,remain on a high level. The year-1958-shou

FAQs

What was the estimated total philanthropy for 1957 and how did it compare with 1956?

The total philanthropy for 1957 was conservatively estimated to reach $6,700,000,000, about 4% above the 1956 total of $6,500,000,000.

Which categories received major increases in giving during 1957?

Higher education was a major beneficiary, with contributions estimated to exceed $600,000,000. Health and welfare were also a major area, estimated at $2,200,000,000 in 1957.

How did the economic climate at the opening of 1958 relate to fund-raising prospects?

The economic climate was described as still favorable for fund-raising, with consumer spending expected to continue an upward trend during 1958 despite deflationary pressures.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurora