The risks of a prolonged and deepening recession coupled with the recent release of Giving USA’s 2009 report on philanthropy and the close of many Jewish Federations’ Annual Campaigns at the end of June provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the interrelationships between the economy, the future of the nonprofit sector and giving trends. Though charitable giving declined by 2% in 2008 to $307.65 billion, according to Giving USA, many experts feared worse declines, and significant concern remains over the level of expected contributions in 2009.

Please join us for a conference call that will bring together recognized experts from the field of economics, nonprofit strategy and Jewish philanthropy for a rare, cross-sector dialogue on these important themes. We will be joined by Richard Berner, managing director, co-head of Global Economics and Chief U.S. Economist at Morgan Stanley; Lucy Bernholz, founder and president of Blueprint Research & Design, Inc; and John Ruskay, executive vice president and chief executive officer of UJA-Federation of New York. Moderating the call will be UJC’s incoming Treasurer, Heschel Raskas.

Please dial in ten minutes before the start of the call. This will be a moderated conference call. The call will be recorded and available at www.ujc.org/investment.
Please contact Alan Secter for more information.