Charities see donations decline, offer less

The Sacramento Bee reports:

An industry that relies on giving is taking some lumps these days.

Northern California charitable organizations big and small have seen donations decline as the recession, high unemployment and declining home values erode donors' wealth.

Competition for the dwindling pool of private donations is also up, since nonprofits that long relied on government funding have been hurt by local and state budget cuts. The affected nonprofits have stepped into an already crowded pool of organizations seeking donations from recession-battered businesses, foundations and consumers.

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