After a couple of relatively quiet weeks, it seems that Susan G. Komen For the Cure is stirring up controversy once again. This time it comes in the form of a survey.
In the latest edition of NPT Weekly, we report on a story that the Irving, Texas-based organization had hired a consulting firm to do some damage control in the aftermath of the Planned Parenthood controversy. This firm created a survey that was to be sent to supporters asking them a variety of questions about their opinion of the nonprofit. Among the questions were whether the organization owes donors an apology, followed by a list of potential apologies that would be acceptable. The survey also asks supporters to rate a list of potential new spokespeople, including musician Melissa Etheridge.
While it's not exactly unusual for a nonprofit to test messaging through a survey, the reaction has been fairly strong because they don't usually become so public. Rebecca Devine, co-founder and principal of Philadelphia, Pa.-based Maven Communications, told The NonProfit Times that Komen needs to be asking these same questions with core stakeholders. She also said the organization should be holding one-on-one discussions with donors to ask how they can make the situation better.
You can read the full story on our website. For more stories like this, make sure to sign-up for NPT Weekly or our other free eNewsletters.
Showing posts with label surveys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surveys. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Nonprofits Facing Fiscal Stress
The latest fundraising survey by The Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC) was a mixed bag for nonprofits.
The survey, which was released yesterday, showed that 41 percent of organizations reported increased charitable receipts for the first nine months of the year. On the other hand, there were signs that a significant number of organizations were feeling increased fiscal stress. Among signs of fiscal stress, the primary concern was flat or declining contributions, cited by 52 percent of organizations, followed by 48 percent each who said low cash reserves and limited number of funders. Nearly as many, 46 percent, said flat or declining non-contribution revenue was a concern.
These problems are of even greater concern to smaller organizations. While NRC reports that only 8 percent of NPOs fear they are in danger of closing because of financial reasons, that number increases to 20 percent for organizations with less than $3 million in expenditures.
But let's get to some good news, shall we? Aside from the increased charitable receipts--up from 36 percent last year--half of responding organizations saw an increase of new donors. This included new corporate funders (37 percent) and foundations grantors (16 percent). Still, prospects look bleak for 2012. All organizations expect they will start 2012 with reduced revenue from multiple sources.
What is your reaction to these numbers? Has your organization experienced any of the fiscal problems mentioned? Be sure to read the full report on the survey on The NonProfit Times.
The survey, which was released yesterday, showed that 41 percent of organizations reported increased charitable receipts for the first nine months of the year. On the other hand, there were signs that a significant number of organizations were feeling increased fiscal stress. Among signs of fiscal stress, the primary concern was flat or declining contributions, cited by 52 percent of organizations, followed by 48 percent each who said low cash reserves and limited number of funders. Nearly as many, 46 percent, said flat or declining non-contribution revenue was a concern.
These problems are of even greater concern to smaller organizations. While NRC reports that only 8 percent of NPOs fear they are in danger of closing because of financial reasons, that number increases to 20 percent for organizations with less than $3 million in expenditures.
But let's get to some good news, shall we? Aside from the increased charitable receipts--up from 36 percent last year--half of responding organizations saw an increase of new donors. This included new corporate funders (37 percent) and foundations grantors (16 percent). Still, prospects look bleak for 2012. All organizations expect they will start 2012 with reduced revenue from multiple sources.
What is your reaction to these numbers? Has your organization experienced any of the fiscal problems mentioned? Be sure to read the full report on the survey on The NonProfit Times.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Economic Recession Continues to Hit Nonprofits Hard
Three years after the beginning of the Great Recession, it is common belief that the worst of the crisis is over; tell that to nonprofits.
According to the latest study by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, 87% of nonpofits said that tough economic times still impact the way their organizations are run. So why, if the economy is getting better, are non-profits still feelig the sting of the recession? One reason seems to be an increasing demand for their services. With the high unemployment rate, general poverty, and government cuts (all resulting from the recession), more people are leaning on NPOs to help them then ever before.
St. Barnabas Senior Services, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, has witnessed a 10% increase in demand for their services in only the past year. And things don't figure to get any easier; 85% of the organizations surveryed in the NFF study say they believe that demand for nonprofit services will only increase during 2011. And of these organizations, only 46% believe they will have the ability to meet these demands.
Things are not all gloomy, however; mostly because of the donations made by citizens. In another study by the Nonprofit Research Collabortive, 63% of NPOs believe contributions to their organizations will increase in 2011. In a story by the Huffington Post (where much of this information comes from), the president of Bank of America Charitable Foundations urges people to do whatever they can to help nonprofits "keep the lights on." This can be anything from making a donation to your favorite nonprofit, or volunteering at one.
Want to read more about this story? Read the full article at the Huffington Post.
According to the latest study by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, 87% of nonpofits said that tough economic times still impact the way their organizations are run. So why, if the economy is getting better, are non-profits still feelig the sting of the recession? One reason seems to be an increasing demand for their services. With the high unemployment rate, general poverty, and government cuts (all resulting from the recession), more people are leaning on NPOs to help them then ever before.
St. Barnabas Senior Services, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, has witnessed a 10% increase in demand for their services in only the past year. And things don't figure to get any easier; 85% of the organizations surveryed in the NFF study say they believe that demand for nonprofit services will only increase during 2011. And of these organizations, only 46% believe they will have the ability to meet these demands.
Things are not all gloomy, however; mostly because of the donations made by citizens. In another study by the Nonprofit Research Collabortive, 63% of NPOs believe contributions to their organizations will increase in 2011. In a story by the Huffington Post (where much of this information comes from), the president of Bank of America Charitable Foundations urges people to do whatever they can to help nonprofits "keep the lights on." This can be anything from making a donation to your favorite nonprofit, or volunteering at one.
Want to read more about this story? Read the full article at the Huffington Post.
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