growth

This is a fun time of the year when you get to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.  Over the holidays I read article after article summarizing the growth made during 2010, taking our country out of recession (ever so slowly) and into more future opportunities.  And then there were the articles projecting economic growth for 2011, offering both positive and not so positive views of what the future might hold.

One has to consider what this all means for the nonprofit world and the prospects for the organizations and institutions that serve our communities every day, day in and day out.

Here are a few economic tidbits for your consideration:

• The DJIA increased 11% during 2010 hitting 11,577 on December 31^st.
• The DJIA first closed at the 11,577 mark on January 7, 2000, 11 years ago
• The S&P 500 increased 12.8% during 2010 hitting 1,258 on December 31^st
• The S&P 500 first  closed above the 1,258 mark on January 6, 1999 nearly 12 years ago

Since the first of the year, three weeks ago, the market has had some nice gains with the DJIA over 11,800 and the S&P 500 at 1,280.  Above I mention an 11 and 12 year difference in the numbers.  Now it is down to a 5 year difference as both indexes first hit this mark in 2006.  Because of the market recovery toward its all time high of 14,167, we are returning to a period of more investor confidence which will be important for contributions in the sector going forward.

Another factor is the savings rate.  Since the 4^th quarter of 2008 the savings rate has been above 5% for 8 consecutive quarters.  Rather than being a nation of spenders we are becoming a nation of savers.  As savings assets increase we may also see an increase in the stock market.  Money market funds which are earning approximately .25% (yes, a quarter of one percent) have grown to nearly $3 trillion.  This does not count checking accounts, savings accounts and short term CDs which would add to the cash available for investing and/or spending.  Prior to the previous 8 quarters, the savings rate during all of 2006, 2007 and most of 2008 was in the 1% to 2% range.  This is a significant shift for America.

Though I do not have the complete statistics here, Americans are also paying down credit card debt, which is also at its lowest levels since 2008.  For the past 18 months, consumer credit card debt has continued to decline easing the burden on American families.  The amount of debt over that period has fallen from $975 Billion to $852 Billion.  Still a lot of money that is owed, but a significant drop none the less since the debt was growing up until that time.

Americans are still being cautious with their resources – but there is room for them to become optimistic.  What messages are you sending your donors and constituents about the needs your organization is meeting every day, day in and day out?  With the gains during 2010 and anticipated gains for 2011, there is reason to believe things will continue to improve across the nation and for the nonprofit sector.  However, one item looms large for many nonprofits – and I will write about it next week – the impact of state government cutbacks as nearly 40 states may be on the brink of bankruptcy and thus unable to meet their financial obligations.

As always, I look forward to any additional insights and comments you may have on this topic.

All the best,

Tom