Thanks for posting the chart, Andrew!

Here's a related article that suggests applying the concept of "triage," as practiced by emergency medical personnel, when resources are in short supply. Written by Katherina Rosqueta, Executive Director, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice, Center for High Impact Philanthropy, and published by Philanthropy News Digest.

Giving USA would have the best information, but I think you'd have to contact them directly as a media rep to ask for it. It's not online for free. From my previous life in the nonprofit consulting world, I do remember a key message one year about how arts are a "lagging indicator" of stock market performance (arts supporters are generally wealthier individuals more likely to have strong financial ties to the stock market). I know that in "disaster" times (e.g., tsunami, hurricanes), giving tends to stay the same for all sectors, and disaster giving is above and beyond for the human services, but I'm not sure how that plays out in terms of economic crisis.

I've sent along a chart from Foundation Grants to Arts and Culture that shows a decline in giving in some fields during the post 9/11 downturn, but shows arts and culture staying fairly steady. The full report, the work of GIA and the Foundation Center, is available Grantmakers in the GIA online library.

Tommer

NOTE FROM ANDREW: I've posted the chart in the weblog entry above as an addendum. Note that the chart relates to foundation giving only, not individual or corporate. Thanks Tommer!

Thanks for picking up my post. I included links at the end of the post to charts prepared by Alexander Haas Martin & Partners that show giving to arts/culture, education, religion, human services, health, and the environment mapped against the Dow and S&P. Not exactly what you're looking for, but of some comfort nevertheless.