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This report from Credit Suisse examines historical trends for philanthropy during economic downturns and explores the effects of the current recession on funders and non-profits. It also provides a series of recommendations for philanthropists and their advisors on grantmaking during the downturn. While based on U.S. data, many of these recommendations are relevant to individuals and organizations globally.

New philanthropists – ultra-wealthy individuals interested in being informed, strategic givers – have been growing in profile, and donations have been increasing. This paper from New Philanthropy Capital explores the opportunities for new philanthropists and established foundations to collaborate, the benefits of such collaborations, and the ways in which they might work.

The National Center for Family Philanthropy assesses the strengths and weaknesses of family foundations in this survey of current practices. Researchers found much to recommend in how family foundations operate, as well as areas to shore up, such as in leadership by future generations and written policies.

Despite difficult economic times, a new generation of wealthy, socially aware individuals is giving more to their favorite causes. A research report from Barclays describes these individuals as more global in outlook, more ambitious in trying to effect social change, more impatient in reaching charitable goals, more demanding of accountability by charities and more willing to take measured risks in giving.

The authors explore the impact of the current economic downturn on philanthropy and provide recommendations for philanthropists and their advisors on charitable giving during these difficult times. Case studies show how a range of entrepreneurial philanthropists are responding to the challenges brought about by the recession.

Organizations that invest in leadership development perform better than those that don't. Challenging economic times underscore this fact even more, according to independent reports collected by the Center for Creative Leadership. Studies show investment in leadership development improves financial performance, attracts and retains talent, drives a performance culture and increases company agility.

The new administration has turned 2009 into a year of changes in state, gift and income tax laws – and more changes are expected before the year ends. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) provides an update on the extension of the IRA charitable rollover as well as changes to the gift tax annual exclusion, the generation-skipping transfer tax, and family partnerships and valuation discounts.

Charities submit grant proposals; funders read the proposals and decide where to make their contributions. Both groups benefit when grants are structured to create the greatest positive impact and make prudent use of available funds. In this paper, New Philanthropy Capital looks at what makes grants successful and how they can be structured best.

Bank of America's 2008 study of philanthropy offers a closer look at giving, including reasons why ultra-wealthy families give to charity and how much they give, why families stop giving, how they transmit charitable values to their children and the types of philanthropic advice they seek from advisors.

Companies that manage their people, or talent, successfully are in good position to weather volatile times and emerge in better shape than ever. Deloitte offers suggestions beyond downsizing to align short-term budget-trimming needs with companies' long-term personnel strategies and overall business objectives.