The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy recently found that after peaking in 2008, multiyear grants from foundations dropped 32% by 2010. This amounted to a $2.2 billion decrease in awards despite the fact that multiyear grant making is not practiced by a majority of foundations. Of the 1,400 foundations studied, 90% made no multiyear grants from 2004 to 2010. This analysis follows another recent study that indicated a sharp decline in large gifts to charities from individuals as well. On a positive note, even though general operating support awards remained 16% of annual grant dollars from 2008 to 2010, grant makers gave $3.4 billion more for general operating costs during 2008 to 2010 than during 2004 to 2006. What does this all mean? Essentially, grant-making institutions must intentionally work toward providing multiyear funding in order for nonprofits to maintain stability. Click here for more information.