Doug Stamm's Blog

While there have been some signs of economic recovery in recent months, we still hear and see much evidence that the Great Recession continues to limit many nonprofits’ ability to raise funds while demand for their services remains great. So we at MMT continue to look for ways to provide extra support to help meet these challenges. As a result, we’re pleased to announce we are offering a special Operating Fund grants program again this year.

You may notice we have a new look for spring. Welcome to our new website. We hope you feel at home here. Spring is a universal metaphor for the start of better times. And this year, opportunities for growth seem especially appealing.

My message this month continues our promise to keep you informed about MMT’s ongoing efforts to find strategic ways to help nonprofits in Oregon and southwest Washington navigate the economic recession that has affected our area so significantly.

Since I shared our initial response to the changing economic landscape with you in early October, the economy has continued to deteriorate, affecting us all. A recent Chronicle of Philanthropy survey found that many foundations lost nearly one-third of their assets due to the steep decline in the stock market over the past year. Meyer Memorial Trust experienced a 23% decline in the value of assets during this period, leaving a balance on December 31, 2008 of $530 million.