Survey finds nonprofits struggling to meet demands
From the Nonprofit Finance Fund
America's nonprofits are expecting 2011 to be another tough year for their organizations, and for the people they serve, according to a survey released on March 21 by Nonprofit Finance Fund, with support from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. The survey of more than 1,900 nonprofit leaders in markets nationwide found that while there are some signs of hope, many nonprofits are straining under year-after-year increases in the demand for services.
- 85 percent of organizations expect an increase in service demand in 2011; just 46 percent expect to be able to fully meet this demand.
- This comes on top of years of increases: in 2010, 77 percent of nonprofits saw an increase in demand; in 2009, 71 percent experienced an increase in demand, and 73 percent of organizations experienced increased demand in 2008.
- 60 percent of organizations have three months or less of cash on hand; 10 percent have none.
- Only 9 percent expect 2011 to be financially easier for the people they serve.
Yet, there are signs of hope:
- 44 percent of nonprofits reported ending 2010 with a surplus, a move in the right direction from the 35 percent who had a surplus in 2009.
- 25 percent of organizations added to reserve funds in 2010.
- 35 percent of organizations raised more revenue in 2010 than anticipated.
