2012 SURVEY 

In this year’s survey, more than 4,500 respondents at nonprofits across the country shared the details of how they are adapting their organizations and finances to economic conditions.  The survey, which was supported for the second year in a row by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, reveals that while 2011 was a year of significant organizational and programmatic changes, many nonprofits are still facing fundamental challenges that threaten the stability of the sector and the well-being of the people they serve.

Here are the facts: 

• 85% of nonprofits experienced an increase in the demand for services in 2011.
• This is on top of years of increased demand: previous NFF surveys found that 77% of nonprofits experienced an increase in demand in 2010; 71% experienced an increase in 2009; and 73% experienced an increase in 2008.
• 88% expect an increase in demand for services in 2012.
• 57% have 3 months or less cash-on-hand.
• 87% said their financial outlook won’t get any better in 2012.

But this is just a fraction of what the data show. This year, for the first time we’re enabling you to explore the data yourself. Our NFF Survey Analyzer at survey.nonprofitfinancefund.org allows you to investigate questions that cut across sub-sectors, budget size, and geography. We invite you to share what you discover via e-mail and social media. If you'd like to find out what additional slices of the survey data are available, please email us at research@nffusa.org.

• NFF Survey Analyzer: Explore the survey data yourself with this easy-to-use site that allows you to filter by sector, geography, and budget size.  
• Survey Brochure: (download as a pdf) See a clear snapshot of the results, with charts, key points, and data visualizations.  
• Press Release
• Full Results: National (excel) 
• National Summary powerpoint (pdf)
• In their Words: A collection of some striking responses to questions from the survey 
• Media Coverage  
• Sincerest thanks to our 100+ distribution partners!
• Survey Methodology (pdf)

2011 SURVEY 

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.

• Press Release
• Survey Brochure: (download as a pdf) 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. (Downloads as an Excel document) 
• National Summary: A slideshow overview of general findings of the survey (pdf)
• In their Words: A collection of some striking responses to questions from the survey 
• Media Coverage  
• Survey Methodology

2010 Survey

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.

• Press Release
• Survey Presentation: A snapshot of the results, with charts and key points.
• Full Results: Detailed charts and tables mapped to each survey question.
• Media Coverage