Q: [For policies, processes, and practices] Does your organization engage in any of the following practices?
Q: [For plans] Which of the following does your organization have and actively follow?
Though more nonprofits are implementing basic and required policies over time, e.g., conflict of interest policies 78% vs 70% in 2018, areas for improvement remain. While crisis action planning (32% vs 26% in 2018) and succession planning (26% vs 21% in 2018) are also increasing, they’re still the least adopted practices. Notably, fundraising planning has dropped from 64% in 2018 to 50%, potentially jeopardizing financial health. The data suggests nonprofits prioritize basic needs but may neglect crucial plans for long-term sustainability, especially in the face of future unforeseen challenges like COVID-19.
“Written nondiscrimination policy” and “Diversity, equity, and inclusion plan” were not options in the 2018 survey.
Q: How does your organization utilize data?
Nonprofits most often utilize data to make improvements to their programs and services (79%), to support fundraising efforts (74%), for grant reporting (71%), and to guide decision-making (71%). Nonprofits haven’t fully embraced the use of data to inform resource allocation decisions (51%), and client communication (31%). Organizations with larger budgets are more likely to utilize data for all purposes.
More than two-thirds (77%) of all nonprofits offer professional development to their staff but there are marked differences by organization size. Nearly all (95%) organizations with budgets over $500K offer professional development. Just 55% of organizations with budgets less than $500K do the same though if funding became available 72% of smaller organizations would consider professional development a high priority.
Lack of funding and lack of time are the primary reasons organizations of any size do not support professional development, followed by uncertainty about where to go for training. Check out Grow for regional training courses, many of which are offered at no cost.
Beyond fundraising, nonprofits indicated that learning & evaluation, and communications are the top three areas where they need professional development to enhance their staff’s education and skills. Additionally, nonprofits identify finance, human resources, and governance as professional development needs. There is also an opportunity to enhance the board’s education and skills in these areas, especially fundraising where board members can play a critical role in nonprofit fundraising efforts.
The 2024 Greater Evansville Nonprofit Survey is a product of Welborn Baptist Foundation
in partnership with Diehl Consulting Group. View the survey methodology.