Charitable fundraising across North America remained quite strong in 2002 despite the challenges of a slowing economy, according to a new survey released today by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The survey was released in conjunction with the International Conference on Fundraising, the world’s largest annual gathering of fundraisers, taking place in Toronto March 22-26.

The survey, entitled “The AFP State of Fundraising 2002,” asked charities to compare their fundraising totals at the end of December 2002 to the amount raised at the end of 2001.

Nearly 63% of Canadian respondents indicated that they raised more money in 2002 than in 2001; an additional 12% of Canadian respondents reported raising the same amount.

Almost a quarter of Canadian respondents (24%) stated that they raised at least 20% more funds in 2002 than in 2001.

The average increase in Canada was 8%.

Increases in fundraising were seen in nearly all subsectors of the Canadian charitable sector, especially among religious, public society/benefit, and education organizations, and in all organizations regardless of the level of annual operating budget. The only subsection among Canadian respondents showing a small decrease (less than 2%) was organizations raising between $5 million and $10 million.

“The survey confirms what our members have been telling us,” said AFP president and CEO Paulette Maehara. “The economy continued to hamper fundraising efforts in 2002. That so many charities were able to increase giving to their cause speaks to the professionalism of their development departments and their ability to communicate honestly and convincingly to the public.”

Canadian fundraisers listed a myriad of reasons impacting their fundraising efforts including increased competition for charitable dollars, government budget cuts, and drops in corporate support and sponsorship.

When asked how their fundraising would fare in 2003, Canadians remained optimistic with 68% of respondents saying that giving to their organization would increase, and 21% saying it would remain about the same.