Looking Ahead: A Next-Step Agenda
In fact, cuts in public support may signal an unprecedented upheaval in the entire nonprofit sector. A recent study by Nina Kressner Cobb for The Rockefeller Foundation, published by the President's Committee, shows that donations by individuals for any charitable purpose are stagnant, even as individual wealth has increased. "For the first time since 1986, total giving has fallen below 2% of Gross Domestic Product; private charitable giving is not growing with a stronger U.S. economy."1
While private foundations alone cannot be expected to "save the day," their leadership and decisions are pivotal, now more than ever. Some already support community cultural programs with funding and research. But programs
will not survive without sustained support and
new resources.
The organizations in this survey do not pretend that they have all the answers for at-risk children and youth. The arts and humanities are not "miracle solutions." At the same time, something very important is being achieved. These programs have a positive impact on the lives of youth. Their fresh, sometimes novel, approaches, implemented by caring, committed artists and scholars, are worthy of a closer look and increased support.
Even as these programs for youth make striking advances, their financial future is threatened; many of their sources of support are in jeopardy. Government funding cutbacks will affect these programs severely. The substantial reduction in federal funds for the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services will mean not only less money for programs like these, but also markedly increased competition with other programs for the reduced number of grants. Other government programs in education, housing, job training and social services also face reductions or elimination at the federal, state and local levels.