State of the Sector Surveys

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE 2012 SURVEY!

At NFF, we believe that financial decisions are only as good as the data we use to make them. While some data exists, our sector is in need of better, more consistent information gathering that can take us beyond anecdote to the patterns of finance. This is particularly vital in challenging and changing financial times like ours. Below, you'll find results from NFF's 2011, 2010 and 2009 Surveys of the Nonprofit Sector. If you'd like to find out what sector or geographic slices of the survey data are available, please email us at nff@nffusa.org.

2011 SURVEY 

2011 survey generously supported by Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

The survey of more than 1,900 nonprofit leaders in markets nationwide found that while there are some signs of hope, many nonprofits are straining under year-after-year increases in the demand for services.

2010 Survey

"In late July we reduced staff from 9 to 3. We were very open about layoffs and program closures, so many were in the process of finding other jobs. Keeping the doors open while other organizations had to close became the main focus. We lost a major government contract and had to make significant shifts in programming in order to sustain ourselves and keep services for clients." Survey Respondent, Human Services. Read more...

The 2010 Survey told the story of the relentless pursuit of mission in our sector. It followed up on our 2009 Survey, which revealed that nonprofits nationwide were hit hard by the financial conditions of late 2008 and 2009. The 1,315 responses showed that many nonprofit leaders persisted in their innate optimism, despite their predictions of an even more difficult year to come.

  • Press Release
  • Survey Brochure: See a clear snapshot of the results, with charts, key points, and respondent comments.
  • Full Results: Detailed charts and tables mapped to each survey question.
  • In their Words: We asked nonprofits what they were most proud of about their response to the economic challenges. Here are some of the many extraordinary stories.
  • Media Coverage

2009 Survey

The 2009 survey revealed that America's nonprofits, including the "lifeline" organizations that many depend on for food, shelter, and other basic services, are strained to the breaking point. The survey of 986 nonprofit leaders in markets nationwide captured the financial state and challenges facing these organizations.

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