The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, in partnership with Allegany Franciscan Ministries, conducted the 2nd Annual Nonprofit Survey to gather data regarding the needs in the community, the state of nonprofits and how best funders could be of assistance. Respondents were asked about their current challenges, the impact the economic downturn has had on the services they offer and their most pressing funding needs. Here are the overall results. A recording of a webinar that corresponds with this presentation is also available at www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/economy.
7. Nationwide Trends in Responding Typical Cost-cutting Measures Limiting travel Eliminating employer contributions to health insurance, retirement Eliminating professional development options Enforced furloughs, job sharing, reduction from full-time to part-time Cutting salaries Across-the-board budget cuts The New-New Thing: Strategic planning became even more essential
8. Nationwide Trends in Responding Governance Front & Center Board members becoming activated on issues of policy & practice The Dreaded 990s Environment of increased public scrutiny and concern with education and communication Conflict of interest, whistle blower policies, compensation Exec., audit and investment committees became more active, emphasis on oversight & fiscal responsibility
9. Local Perspective: 2nd Annual Nonprofits and the Economy Survey Pulse of the nonprofit community 367 responses representing: 21,704 full-time staff members 5,796 part-time staff members 4,437 Board members 49,911 Volunteers Average years operating: 30
13. What We Found: Challenges Funding for operating expenses emerged as a top priority for organizations in light of increase of demand for service. 75% felt some degree of vulnerability and 2% noted that the organization would cease operations if the economy did not improve soon. “Client needs are overwhelming with no solution in sight. Staff reductions for administrative and development positions has the agency running leaner than it ever has: 7% administrative cost overall.” - Survey respondent
14. Areas of Highest Need Majority of the population has been affected in light of the economic downturn. Many of most vulnerable are newly affected (children, low to mid income families, elderly, jobless, etc.) and people are facing difficulties in many areas (education, unemployment, housing, healthcare, hunger). “People are in such need that they line up hours before we give out a simple box of food and then will wait hours more in their cars in the Florida heat to get their food. They are desperate. Most are skipping meals, even the children.” - Survey respondent
15. What We Found: Capital Campaigns 54 respondents currently undertaking a capital campaign. Avg. goals: $7 million+ 42% of funds have been acquired ($87.7 million) 34 respondents are postponing plans to launch a capital campaign. $80 Million increase over last year
17. What We Found: Organizational Actions Continuing to cut expenses and increase fundraising activities. New trend: more organizations reported they are collaborating with other nonprofits. 40% of respondents reported experiencing negative cash flow in the past 12 months (a 15% increase over last year’s results) and 30% of those attributed the need to borrow money due to unmet fundraising goals. “More non-profits are willing to work together in fundraising activities and share in the profits in order to continue to service their clients…. I believe we are learning to collaborate more effectively and to think out of the box more!” -Survey Respondent
24. Gauging Interest Nonprofits demonstrated a strong interest in: Building endowment Increasing volunteer opportunities Undertaking collaborative fundraising efforts Many respondents also expressed an interest in the “greening” of business operation.
25. Suggestions to Funders in addition to Giving Nonprofits repeatedly noted the need for operational support and assistance in establishing partnerships. Many also indicated the need for training and advocacy on behalf of the nonprofit sector. “As funders, you are in a unique position to observe our local non-profit world and how service agencies interact with one another and impact our communities as a whole. Given this, you also may be in a unique position to act as a catalyst for change, for improvements to the overall effectiveness of non-profits...what each of us wants and works to achieve -- a better life for all.” -Survey Respondent
26. Positive Impact Respondents were asked to share some good news in this year’s survey. Respondents praised: The dedication of staff and volunteers Increased partnerships Improved business operations “Some of our supporters have been hit hard by the economy and can no longer give as they have in the past. Many still give...but not as much. Many have offered to volunteer since they no longer can give. It warms my heart to see so many believe in our mission!” -Survey Respondent
28. National Outlook Some states revoking charities’ tax exemptions Public entities looking at taxing nonprofits for new, public sources of revenue Private/nonprofit partnership as new models Mergers and acquisitions Increased use of technology Some shifts toward eligibility to enable operational support as a foundation funding priority Giving is down but donors remain engaged in 2010
29. The Future Outlook: Local View Leveraging is key to meeting critical needs Restructuring: Tough choices ahead: consolidate, collaborate, merge or exit Necessity of increased cost efficiencies Technology/social media as an enabler Best guess: Funding is going to continue to be constrained and highly competitive
30. Upcoming Local Information/Networking Sessions Network and share your insights! North Palm/Martin County: June 18, 3-4:30 p.m. , Hobe Sound Central/Western Palm Beach County: June 14, 9-10:30 a.m. , Royal Palm Beach South Palm Beach County: June 28,9-10:30 a.m., Boca Raton Sign up online at www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/economy
31. To learn more: www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/economy and sign up for our e-news list!
![[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)