Current U.S. Economy Causes Seniors to Give Less, the Young to Give More

Grizzard survey indicates age gap between those that are more
likely to increase donating habits from 2007
ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
The Grizzard Communications Group, an industry leader in
integrated, direct response marketing and fundraising, today announced
the results of a survey investigating the effects of current economic
conditions on donors to charitable causes. Survey results indicate
that only 13 percent of respondents expect to increase their giving
for the remainder of 2008, while nearly a third (29%) admit to
decrease their giving. Surprisingly, donors aged 25-34 were more
likely to increase their giving in the fall, while those over the age
of 65 were more likely to say they are giving less.

The two-part survey, conducted July 26-29, 2008, generated a pool
of 495 respondents who made a financial contribution to a charity
other than a house of worship, in the past 12 months. Of these
respondents, 10 percent were between the ages of 25-34, 15 percent
were 35-44, 24 percent were 45-54, 26 percent were 55-64, and 17
percent were over the age of 65.

Only about half (44%) of respondents look to contribute the same
amount as compared to what they gave in the fall of 2007. An
additional 29 percent of respondents plan to give less to charitable
efforts, with more than one in four (26%) of these individuals
planning to stop giving all together.

"As we continue to face these hard economic times, it's imperative
that we continue to focus on building stronger relationships with an
organizations best donors. Acquisition efforts continue to decline and
will be even more difficult this year. That makes donor retention
absolutely critical," said Chip Grizzard, chief executive officer of
Grizzard.

While the number of people expected to diminish their giving is
relatively high, the results also show that participants between the
ages of 25-34 were the most likely to say they will increase their
giving. Grizzard vice president and senior strategist Terry Barber
states that this figure is significant because it, "demonstrates that
organizations have the opportunity to develop and sustain
relationships with a large number of young people that are just now
entering the giving arena and eager to make a difference in their
community."

Barber goes on to say that it is especially important to court
these young donors as many people over the age of 65, traditionally
very reliable in contributing to a cause, look to reduce or cease
donations.

Laurel DiBrog, vice president of planning and public affairs for
the Roswell Park Cancer Institute agrees. "In order to tap this
market, you have to relate to them and understand that word of mouth
and establishing an emotional connection is key." Laurel and her
colleagues at Roswell Park Cancer Institute looked at the passion the
Y Generation had for volunteerism and their need to be always
connected and in 2006 established Yroswell, a website providing
resources for cancer and coping, education and studies, as well as
future careers in medicine and science to the Y Generation
(yroswellpark.org).

Young donors are typically professionals with a college degree.
Ansley Alexander a realtor with Coldwell Banker who served on the
Board of Kate's Club (www.katesclub.org) during the 2003/2004 and
2005/2006 terms and continues to help organize the Annual Kate's Club
Cabaret, exemplifies the new breed of donors and the reasons fueling
their involvement.

"When I moved to Atlanta, I was looking for an organization to get
involved with. When I met Kate and learned about her vision to start a
non-profit that empowers children and teens facing life after the
death of a parent or sibling, I couldn't help but get involved," said
Alexander. "I think this spirit of volunteerism is instilled in youth
across the country who are looking for a cause that they can align
with."

The survey also assessed a series of retention messages in order
to measure what main ideas resonate with donors the most and what is
most likely to encourage their increased or on-going support. The
survey findings suggest that the most powerful retention messages
inform the public how their gifts are used by the organization (31%),
or affirm that their contributions are matched by corporate sponsors
(27%).

"What this implies is that people are more likely to continue to
be involved with their favorite charity as long as they are
well-informed on how their gifts or money make a difference," says
Barber. "They want to know that their donation either persuades
corporations to get involved, or serves a specific purpose within that
charity."

With the current economic downturn affecting how Americans handle
their finances, Grizzard hopes that the survey findings will help
non-profit organizations gain insight and new strategies on how to
retain and increase donations.

About Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's
first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute
was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a
National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and
remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York.
RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer
Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers; maintains
affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international
collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI's website at
www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email
askrpci@roswellpark.org.

About Kate's Club

Kate's Club is a non-profit organization that empowers children
and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. By
creating friendships with kids and young adults that share the
experience, Kate's Club guides children through their grief journey in
a comfortable, safe, and uplifting setting. Please visit
www.katesclub.org or call 770-618-4474 for more information. 5th
Annual Kate's Club Cabaret is Friday, September 12th at The Foundry at
Puritan Mill from 8pm until Midnight. Join us for a great evening
including wonderful food, fun entertainment, silent and live auctions
and a few surprises - all to benefit Kate's Club! For tickets or
corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Development
Director at kimmy@katesclub.org.

About Grizzard

The 89-year-old Grizzard Communications Group is one of the top 10
direct response firms in the United States specializing in integrated
fundraising initiatives including direct mail, online integration and
alternative media.

Through offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles and several other major
U.S. cities, the Grizzard Communications Group serves nonprofits
across America. Clients include AARP Foundation, The Salvation Army,
American Red Cross, Rescue Missions, Food Banks, Sidney Kimmel
Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, state Sheriffs'
Associations, Habitat for Humanity affiliates, Prostate Cancer
Foundation, National Urban League and various Animal Welfare and
Humane Societies. More information can be found at www.grizzard.com.

The Grizzard Communications Group is part of Omnicom Group, Inc.
(NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global
advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's
branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising,
strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing,
public relations and other specialty communications services to over
5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Porter Novelli
MEDIA CONTACT
Kara McClain, 404-995-4531
kara.mcclain@porternovelli.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008