Nonprofits are in Trouble, Volunteers Can Help
May 18, 2009 10:16
...a shocking portrait of the sector that is
continually asked to do more with less...
I was reading an interesting newsletter the other day
and thought I would share with you part of its
content. While many non-profits are experiencing
difficulty, Hannah's Treasure Chest
is sustaining and is in good shape. As we all know,
these economic times within our country are hard and
it's no different here in Dayton. We are seeing an
increase in need for our services and are
distributing more goods than ever before.
I strongly encourage you to get involved and help out a non-profit though volunteering as well as monetary donations.
A common myth is that as a non-profit we receive things for free. The fact of the matter is that we still pay rent, utilities, phone, staff, etc. It takes money to operate and every cent counts these days. Consider a donation today to help out a local child in need. We can do amazing things with $5, $10 or even $20. We can even take your donation online so that you don't have to find your check book, an envelope and then pay for postage!
Thank you for your continuing support. Without you, we could not provide the assistance that we do to so many right here in the Miami Valley.
Nonprofits Are in Trouble, Volunteers Can Help
Back in November, Paul Light shook the nonprofit sector with a grim forecast. The professor at New York University's Wagner School of Public Service predicted that 100,000 nonprofits would close as a result of the economic downturn.
Nearly five months later, a survey of 986 U.S. nonprofits supports Light's prediction, and paints a shocking portrait of the sector that is continually asked to do more with less.
The survey, conducted by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, found:
And perhaps the most chilling finding is a clear testament to recessionary times:
The reality is bleak but clear – nonprofits are in trouble. But volunteers can help.
When asked how they intended to cope with this downturn, 39% of nonprofits cited they plan to reduce or eliminate programs, and 41% plan to reduce staff or salaries.
With the help of volunteers, these organizations can continue to provide the important services that keep our communities afloat in troubled times. Just five hours at your local food pantry, shelter, or health clinic is the equivalent of donating $101.25, and can make a world of difference to a neighbor in need.
I strongly encourage you to get involved and help out a non-profit though volunteering as well as monetary donations.
A common myth is that as a non-profit we receive things for free. The fact of the matter is that we still pay rent, utilities, phone, staff, etc. It takes money to operate and every cent counts these days. Consider a donation today to help out a local child in need. We can do amazing things with $5, $10 or even $20. We can even take your donation online so that you don't have to find your check book, an envelope and then pay for postage!
Thank you for your continuing support. Without you, we could not provide the assistance that we do to so many right here in the Miami Valley.
Nonprofits Are in Trouble, Volunteers Can Help
Back in November, Paul Light shook the nonprofit sector with a grim forecast. The professor at New York University's Wagner School of Public Service predicted that 100,000 nonprofits would close as a result of the economic downturn.
Nearly five months later, a survey of 986 U.S. nonprofits supports Light's prediction, and paints a shocking portrait of the sector that is continually asked to do more with less.
The survey, conducted by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, found:
- Only 16% of nonprofits will be able to cover their operating expenses for the next two years.
- Thirty-one percent don't have enough money to cover operating expenses for more than one month, and another 31% can cover less than three months.
And perhaps the most chilling finding is a clear testament to recessionary times:
- A staggering 93% of organizations that provide essential amenities, such as food and shelter, anticipate an increased demand for their services in 2009.
The reality is bleak but clear – nonprofits are in trouble. But volunteers can help.
When asked how they intended to cope with this downturn, 39% of nonprofits cited they plan to reduce or eliminate programs, and 41% plan to reduce staff or salaries.
With the help of volunteers, these organizations can continue to provide the important services that keep our communities afloat in troubled times. Just five hours at your local food pantry, shelter, or health clinic is the equivalent of donating $101.25, and can make a world of difference to a neighbor in need.