Hopefully "leadership" is in here somewhere.
I think it’s fair to say that all nonprofits have passion for what they do. According to the TCC Group, what differentiates those nonprofits who succeed financially and those who don’t comes down to a surprisingly short list, with leadership at the top.
The Sustainability Formula: How Nonprofit Organizations Can Thrive in the Emerging Economy identifies key values and behaviors that are correlated with financial sustainability.
In a survey of over 700 nonprofits using their own 146 question Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT), TCC Group found that the behaviors that are crucial to nonprofit sustainability are:
- Decisive, strategic and accountable leadership that values evaluation, learning and effective, mission-focused communications;
- Financial and programmatic adaptability; and
- The resources to deliver core programs.
Interestingly, the report found that only 25% of total respondents reported that their organization had all of the qualities that TCC Group defines as markers of a sustainable organization. Furthermore, only 28% reported feeling that their organization was financially sustainable.
The report profiles two nonprofits that exemplify the core traits stated in the sustainability formula, New York Cares and The Family Center. Through these two examples, TCC Group illustrates different aspects of sustainability, and then concludes the report with a list of ten recommendations for nonprofits looking to improve their own sustainability.
To read the full report, visit the TCC Group’s website, or download the pdf report here.
-Cary Lenore Walski
MCF Web Communications Associate
VP/Director Tom Knowlton from the TCC Group will be speaking on July 29 to corporate giving program and corporate foundation members of the Minnesota Council on Foundations.
The session is entitled “Creative Strategies for Limited Resources.” MCF members can learn more and register for the event on the mcf.org members forum.