Millions of charitable dollars are in jeopardy as the economic downturn has businesses and philanthropists putting their not-for-profit gift-giving under a microscope, rg magazine reports this month.

Specialists in the non-profit arena say charitable giving will be the first area scrutinised for ways to save money as business people and individuals struggle with the bleak financial picture.

During 2007 more than $18 million was donated by The Centre on Philanthropy's members, the organisation said. Their donor study executed that year also showed that individuals each gave an average of $300, while businesses presented about $7,000 to worthy causes.

However, this year's Christmas season and 2009 look set to be much more challenging. The Centre on Philanthropy's programme manager Danelle Riviere, speaking to Lindsay Kelly for the December issue of rg magazine, said: "Non-profits already know they will feel the effects of this economic situation. We know the first thing people or companies will look at is their charitable dollars."

Charities are in the process of examining their own structures and operations as well as developing plans to respond to the poor economic outlook.

Ms Riviere told rg magazine: We know that companies are going to have a tough decision to make we know their hearts are into giving and (they) want to help and give to the community. So we know they have to figure out what is the best way for them to continue to donate."

Ms Kelly talked to charities YouthNet, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Age Concern and Raleigh International about their individual responses to the economic environment for this issue of the magazine, which is out tomorrow in The Royal Gazette.

Also in tomorrow's issue, Political Reporter Matthew Taylor reports on the in-depth interview he held with former Premier Alex Scott's wife Olga Scott, who talked to him in detail about the man behind the politician, as well as describing his commitment to politics and the experiences that shaped his political views.

US Consul Gregory Slayton's wife Marina Slayton also talked to Mr. Taylor about her husband and their international experiences in the developing world, as he nears the end of his appointment by US president George W. Bush.

In another story, Mr. Taylor provides a comprehensive report on the contentious issue of the relationship between church and state in Bermuda's deeply religious community, exploring the question from both sides of the political divide.

His piece includes views as diverse as those held by the gay rights activist and former PLP Minister Renee Webb, who believes churches should be treated no differently than other lobbyist groups, and former PLP Minister of the Environment and member of the Plymouth Brethren church Arthur Hodgson, who is quoted as arguing: "The church has far too little influence on politics."

Former UBP leader Wayne Furbert and the party's current leader Kim Swan are among the many politicians, political activists and religious advocates who weigh in on the subject for this story.

And in keeping with the spirit of the season, rg magazine also gives advice on how to make holiday party cocktails and snacks, as well as merry makeover tips for the ladies who need to transform themselves from career woman to party guest during this festive period.

For these stories and much more, look for your free copy of rg magazine in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.