With many people tightening their budgets during tough economic times, colleges are bracing for the possibility of fewer donations.

Northeast Florida schools haven’t seen big decreases yet, but many said raising funds has become more complicated in some ways.

Institutions are still receiving the large pledges, but some said it’s now taking more time and work to actually receive the funds. Smaller donations have decreased slightly, and state matching funds have been delayed for public universities.

Financial experts have told The Chronicle of Higher Education charitable giving to colleges will drop in 2008.

It’s still too early to call it a trend, but officials are preparing for economic shifts.

“With the price of gas rising so much, it certainly could affect how much the average person gives,” said Pierre Allaire, vice president for institutional advancement at the University of North Florida.

Allaire said wealthy donors aren’t as affected when it comes to giving, but the smaller $100 to $1,000 checks, such as those from alumni, could be delayed.

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