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Non Profits Stretched to the Limit: An Economic Impact Survey

December 1st, 2009

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My colleague Mark living in Edmonton Alberta (Mark Holmgren Consulting) forwarded me this press release from the Calgary Chamber of Volunteer Organizations (CCVOV). My sense is that the findings are very in line with what non profit groups are experiencing in York Region and across the GTA. I think the non profit community, funders and donors will gain insight and possible strategies after a full read of the Report, its findings and recommendations.

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Stretched to the Limit: An Economic Impact Survey
With little relief in sight, nonprofits and charities are bracing for the worst

CALGARY, AB – November 30, 2009 – Results of an economic impact survey conducted by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) in October indicate Alberta’s nonprofit organizations and charities have been adapting to the recession, but they are stretched to the limit with little capacity to adjust to increased demand or reduced funding.

Despite predictions that economic conditions will improve in 2010, the real financial impact of the recession is expected to hit the voluntary sector next year. Although organizations reported reductions in 2009, the major impact of government cuts and decreased revenues is expected to hit in 2010.

Many organizations reported reducing costs and said they were operating as lean as possible, trying to preserve programs and services. More than 30 per cent of those surveyed, however, had to make cuts in services. If economic predictions are correct and 2010 presents the greatest challenges nonprofits and charities have faced in this recession, even more programs and services will be on the chopping block.