Research and analysis

Firm foundations (RS19)

Charity Commission report on charities and the economic downturn.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Firm foundations (RS19)

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Details

The report highlights how trusts and foundations coped in the economic downturn of 2009. The research found that these charities:

  • are taking a calm, measured approach to the downturn to ensure they are well prepared for any sudden change
  • have discussed the economic downturn in their board meetings
  • scrutinised grant applicants more closely and considered the effect of the downturn on the charities they help

While it might be expected that trusts and foundations might suffer from poorer investment returns, the report finds that the charities mitigated this through careful planning.

Published 1 August 2009