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| The MCN Nonprofit Current Conditions Report shows that more than 54 percent of nonprofits are experiencing a decline in total revenue, while nearly 50 percent have increased expenses. Find this report and the Minnesota Nonprofit Economy Report (PDF files) on MCN’s website. |
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits held a briefing yesterday on the economic outlook for nonprofits. MinnPost (Economic briefing for nonprofits offers some optimism, plus reality checks and strategies, for 2009) and the Star Tribune (Minnesota nonprofits slash staff, budgets) each published articles today about the session.
While the statistics and surveys may sound bleak, there was a modicum of hope within the nonprofit community at the meeting. We came away with a number of great ideas worth passing on:
- Consider all ideas and solutions. Nonprofits Assistance Fund can help you assess your business model and think through different financial strategies for your organization. At a time when credit is tight, they recently received an additional $1 million specifically to lend to nonprofits over the next three years. Struggling nonprofits can contact them for financial assistance, training, and guidance.
- You are not alone! It will be beneficial for more nonprofits to reach out to partners in their sector and community to collaborate on more projects. Network with similar nonprofits. How can you collaborate? Who can do deliver the service?
- Mergers are certainly an option, and in times like these and it is often common to see nonprofits merge to gain efficiencies. MAP for Nonprofits’ Project ReDesign is a resource for support.
- Nonprofits should think long term in terms of organizational capacity and financial planning – not just the “quick fix” approach.
- Tap into your volunteer pool in new and creative ways. One organization has a volunteer who does nothing but fundraising.
- Develop a for-profit business, or social enterprise, that can help support your nonprofit:
- Nonprofits Assistance Fund has a training to help you get started, Building a Nonprofit Social Enterprise.
- Fieldstone Alliance publishes Venture Forth! The Essential Guide to Starting a Moneymaking Business in Your Nonprofit Organization to help you find, test and launch a business venture.
- And, if you are already running a social enterprise, MAP for Nonprofits and Nonprofits Assistance Fund are starting a networking group. The first meeting takes place on January 15 (more information).
- Return on Investment (ROI) studies will help nonprofits build their case for funding and help shape public policy. Wilder Research has found a positive ROI correlation on a recent childcare study.
Join the conversation: What are more ideas for how nonprofits can weather the recession?
