Recession: We’re all in this together

With recent IMF forecasts predicting that the UK will slip deeper into recession in 2009 and 2010, the credit crunch shows no signs of easing off in the coming months. But what can grant-makers do to ensure that they are giving in a way that is both effective and sustainable?

Some would argue that at times like these, UK grant makers should stick together, sharing knowledge and experiences of recession wherever possible. The London funders’ recession response website, and in the US, the CoF’s Economic Xchange initiative, offer a great starting point for grant makers looking to benefit from shared knowledge and experience

Others may argue that sharing information and experiences in this way might actually put some foundations at a disadvantage. Within the sector, foundations vary so greatly in size and resources, that perhaps foundations are setting each other up to fail by sharing strategies which work for them but may not work for others.

On balance, it seems that pooling resources and exeriences to help one another survive the credit crunch is a sensible way to progress, but foundations should be wary about implementing new strategies without thorough consideration of their own circumstances.

In tough times, should grant makers stick together, or keep themselves to themselves?