Hi everyone,
Here's a link to a study by the Bridgespan Group about nonprofits managing through tough time: http://www.bridgespan.org/managing-in-tough-times-survey-update-november-2009.aspx that was covered in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
None of us will be surprised to learn that many of the deeper effects of the recession are just starting to fully play out with nonprofit organizations. But, the study astutely points out that, "while the hardship of prolonged financial pressure cannot be overstated, many organizations appear to be making the difficult decisions that may gain them stronger footing as market conditions improve in the future."
We are seeing evidence of that here with our current and prospective nonprofit clients. The organizations that are going to get to the other side of this situation stronger are making a conscious effort today to reach out and connect with their core supporters. They recognize that their relationships have never been more important than right now. We are glad that so many are choosing GiftWorks to help manage and sustain these critical relationships.
As Bridgespan reports, "While tough times force hard choices, they can also bring people together. As a result of the recession, many nonprofits are reaching out and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. Indeed, 69 percent of organizations we surveyed are developing new plans to communicate with stakeholders, 88 percent are investing more deeply in relationships with core funders, and 77 percent are engaging their boards or a subset of their boards to address the financial ramifications of the downturn. Reaching out to key supporters is often a nonprofit’s first line of defense in a crisis."
I hope you find this report helpful. Please do share your insights in managing your organization through the Great Recession.





