How Nonprofits Are Coping With Increasing Demands For Services
A study we wrote about a couple of weeks back indicated that nonprofit revenues were up in 2010. It’s no surprise that demand for services is on the increase, as well.
Bridgespan Group conducted a survey of nonprofit leaders and found that a whopping 84 percent of respondents say they are experiencing increased demand for their services. The 2009 survey indicated 58 percent increase and 2008 reported a seemingly-small 30 percent figure.
The percentage of nonprofits reporting increase demand for services in 2010:
- Health Services 100%
- Multi-Service Providers 95%
- Education and Youth Services 88%
- Other 81%
- Housing and Elderly Services 80%
- Job Training 80%
- Arts and Culture 25%
It makes sense that economic hardship would force formerly financially-stable individuals and families to seek help. As state budgets are slashed, services for the poor and struggling are closing down across the nation, often leading assistance-seekers to private, nonprofit service providers. Family service organizations see many more families struggling to survive. Job training programs are at or over capacity due to unrelenting unemployment and food pantries are seeing longer lines than ever.
How are nonprofits taking care of their clientele with fewer resources? The survey and follow-up interviews reveal some interesting insights:
- Collaborating with other organizations 61%
- Created a communications plan 36%
- Enacted a contingency plan 23%
Nonprofits must continue to be diligent in watching economic forecasts, communicating with supporters and creating new management strategies as demands for their services will continue to increase.
Tags: Nonprofit Management