The State of Nonprofits 2023: A Deeper Look
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) recently released a comprehensive report titled The State of Nonprofits 2023: What Funders Need to Know. This insightful report delves into the evolving landscape of nonprofit organizations and offers valuable insights for funders seeking to make a positive impact. But what does it mean for your organization? Let’s explore key findings from the report and shed light on what it means for nonprofits and funders.
Building Stronger Nonprofits:
The report emphasizes the importance of building solid and resilient nonprofit organizations. Funders play a critical role in supporting nonprofits’ capacity-building efforts, such as investing in leadership development, organizational infrastructure, and technology enhancements. Funders can help nonprofits achieve more significant impact and sustainability by recognizing the importance of organizational effectiveness.
For nonprofits, this means actively seeking opportunities for capacity-building support from funders and proactively investing in areas that enhance their organizational capabilities. Nonprofits must demonstrate a commitment to measuring outcomes, building solid boards, and embracing adaptive strategies to respond to changing needs effectively. And share this information with funders! Don’t be afraid to showcase your investment in capacity building to spark new and expanded partnership opportunities.
Collaboration and Partnership:
Hearing a funder express their delight when intentional collaboration and partnerships are involved is common. The report emphasizes the power of collaboration and teamwork in addressing complex societal challenges. Funders can play a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between nonprofits by facilitating networks, encouraging shared learning, and providing resources for collective action. By embracing a collaborative mindset, funders can help create a more synergistic and efficient nonprofit ecosystem.
Nonprofits who actively seek out opportunities for collaboration, both within their sector and across sectors, will stand out to funders. By working together, nonprofits can leverage their strengths, pool resources, and amplify their collective impact. Funders are more likely to invest in collaborative initiatives demonstrating a holistic approach and a more significant potential for long-term systemic change. There is power in partnership!
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Despite how efforts appear, the report emphasizes the urgent need for increased attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the nonprofit sector. Funders should prioritize supporting nonprofits that demonstrate a commitment to EDI in their organizational practices and programmatic approaches. This includes funding efforts that address systemic barriers and promote equitable outcomes for marginalized communities.
Nonprofit organizations need to prioritize EDI within their organizations, ensuring that their boards, staff, and volunteers represent diverse perspectives and lived experiences. By embracing EDI principles, nonprofits can strengthen their programs, enhance community engagement, and attract more support from funders who prioritize equity.
Long-Term Sustainability:
As with so many things in life, long-term sustainability for a nonprofit is a marathon, not a race. The report highlights long-term sustainability’s importance for funders and nonprofit organizations. Funders should shift from short-term project-based funding to longer-term, flexible funding approaches. This allows nonprofits to focus on building their organizational capacity, adapting to changing needs, and achieving lasting impact.
Nonprofits should proactively engage funders in discussions around long-term sustainability, providing evidence of their impact and articulating their strategic plans for continued success. By demonstrating a clear vision and a well-thought-out sustainability plan, nonprofits can attract funders committed to long-term partnerships.
The CEP’s report on “The State of Nonprofits” provides invaluable insights for funders and nonprofit organizations. By understanding the changing landscape of nonprofits, funders can adapt their strategies to maximize their impact and support the long-term sustainability of nonprofits. Nonprofits, in turn, can leverage these insights to proactively engage funders, strengthen their organizations, and drive meaningful change.
Ultimately, by working together, funders and nonprofits can create a more effective and responsive nonprofit sector capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time and making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT (PDF)