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 results related to Central and Western Palm Beach County.

1. Nonprofits & The Economy 2nd Annual Survey 2010 Understanding our community

3. $100 million in total assets

4. Last year awarded nearly $9 million in grants and scholarships

5. Cumulative grants of nearly $81 million

8. Limiting travel

9. Eliminating employer contributions to health insurance, retirement

10. Eliminating professional development options

11. Enforced furloughs, job sharing, reduction from full-time to part-time

12. Cutting salaries

13. Across-the-board budget cutsThe New-New Thing: Strategic planning became even more essential

14. 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

15. Local Perspective: 2nd Annual Nonprofits and the Economy Survey Pulse of the nonprofit community 367 (79) responses representing: 21,704 full-time staff members (2,000) 5,796 part-time staff members (415) 4,437 Board members (464) 49,911 Volunteers (7,270) Average years operating: 30 (28)

16. The Respondents

17. Challenges

18. What We Found: Challenges Similar results as last year & for Central/Western communities

20. 75% felt some degree of vulnerability and 2% noted that the organization would cease operations if the economy did not improve soon.“[We need] morefunds and resources to meet the needs of the clients. Families are coming from all areas of the county for resources and information to help meet their basic needs: homeless, food stamps, work search, help with children, transportation, food etc..” - Riviera Beach

22. 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).“Our numbers are up about 100% for food. We are seeing people that have volunteered in the past asking for help - Lake Worth

23. 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. Central/Western Goal: $32,375,000 Raised: $10,736,000 $80 Million increase over last year

24. What We Found: Organizational Actions

26. New trend: more organizations reported they are collaborating with other nonprofits.

27. 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.“While the organization did not lay off any employees, many of the non-direct services positions, which were vacated during the year were not replaced.” -West Palm Beach

29. Increasing volunteer opportunities

30. Undertaking collaborative fundraising efforts

31. Many respondents also expressed an interest in the “greening” of business operation.

32. Foundation grants

33. Individual contributions

35. 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.

36. 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. “Funds should be shared among all nonprofit organizations. We are all of the people and for the people. -Pahokee

37. 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 “These are challenging times but it also presents an opportunity to expand and analyze current programs and services to ascertain that they are fulfilling the mission of the agency. -West Palm Beach

38. Good News

40. Public entities looking at taxing nonprofits for new, public sources of revenue

41. Private/nonprofit partnership as new models

42. Mergers and acquisitions

43. Increased use of technology

44. Some shifts toward eligibility to enable operational support as a foundation funding priority

46. Restructuring: Tough choices ahead: consolidate, collaborate, merge or exit

47. Necessity of increased cost efficiencies

48. Technology/social media as an enabler

50. To learn more: www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/economy and sign up for our e-news list!