Deep declines in the investment portfolios of trade associations have many groups reassessing the status of future programming, advocacy efforts and the potential for layoffs and additional budget cuts over the next year. In the second half of 2008, several industry groups say they watched steep downturns in the market erode five years or more of investment gains and chip away at their “rainy day” reserve funds. Even in moderately balanced portfolios with a mix of stocks, bonds and cash, many organizations have reported, on average, losses in the 20 percent to 30 percent range, according to association leaders and the fund managers who work with them. And in a sector… Read More