Anticipated Shifts in the Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofit organizations, also known as non-profit organizations or NGOs, operate with the goal of achieving their missions while positively impacting the community and addressing public needs. They play a vital role in upholding a prosperous society, making substantial contributions to various sectors such as healthcare, higher education, environmental conservation, social services, spiritual guidance, artistic and cultural enrichment, and other essential services.

However, looking ahead in the coming months and years, the nonprofit sector could encounter multiple challenges due to industry trends. These challenges include economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and heightened cybersecurity risks. These factors may lead to a decrease in fundraising efforts and an increase in operational costs.

Consequently, it’s imperative for nonprofit organizations to closely monitor these sector-related concerns and adapt their risk management practices accordingly. This article offers comprehensive insights into the trends affecting the nonprofit sector.

Key Trends Affecting Nonprofit Organizations

Economic Challenges and Recession Concerns

Many nonprofit organizations, particularly those within the health and human services sector, experienced a surge in demand for their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This demand was often accompanied by increased federal funding and private donations. However, there is a noticeable decrease in federal support and other funding sources due to concerns about an impending recession and rising inflation.

Economists and business analysts widely predict an impending recession within the next year. This projection poses significant challenges for organizations, including shifts in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, changes in the labor market, and heightened reputational risks. For nonprofit organizations, economic downturns often result in decreased contributions from individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Moreover, funding from government sources and endowments may also diminish.

Recent data from the Chronicle of Philanthropy indicates a substantial reduction in donations, signaling potential financial difficulties for nonprofit organizations as the recession unfolds. The report highlights a 7% decrease in donor numbers during the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Contributions of $100 or less dropped by over 17%. Nonprofits are currently experiencing a cumulative decline in donor support each quarter, magnifying concerns over an uncertain economic landscape.

Given that nonprofit organizations significantly contribute to both society and the economy, it is crucial for them to focus on innovative solutions and effective risk management strategies to ensure short-term sustainability during the economic downturn. Best practices encompass diversifying funding sources, collaborating with partners across the nonprofit sector to expand the donor base, and developing targeted communication strategies to engage key audiences.

Labor Shortages and Workforce Challenges

The nonprofit sector is one of the largest employers in the United States, with over 12 million individuals on its workforce. However, the pandemic led to a reduction of 1.6 million jobs in the sector, a decline that worsened during the “Great Resignation,” a significant workforce exodus triggered by the pandemic. As a result, nonprofit organizations now face a competitive labor market and a diminished pool of potential employees, which creates difficulties in attracting and retaining talent. These organizations often struggle to provide competitive salaries and benefits, leading to the departure of employees who secure better-paying positions elsewhere.

The decline in volunteerism, which dropped by 7% between 2019 and 2021, as evidenced by a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, exacerbates these challenges. Concerns about health, vaccination protocols, and sanitation practices continue to impact volunteer engagement.

Inadequate staffing levels within nonprofit organizations can lead to service delays or even complete disruptions, negatively affecting the communities they serve. A survey by the National Council of Nonprofits revealed that 26% of organizations maintain waitlists exceeding a month, while 21% lack a waitlist altogether due to their inability to accommodate new clients. Insufficient staffing can also result in financial instability, reputational harm, data breaches, inadequately trained personnel, and potential liability issues for board members and staff.

To address these workforce challenges, nonprofits are adopting strategies such as offering improved compensation and benefits, enhanced career advancement prospects, and flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, efforts to increase diversity within leadership and staff contribute positively to employee and client relationships, fostering an environment conducive to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. Nonprofit insurance coverage, encompassing general liability, commercial property, and business income insurance, also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding people and assets as organizations pursue their missions.

Elevated Cybersecurity Risks and Vulnerabilities

The escalating severity, frequency, and specificity of cybersecurity risks pose substantial threats across all sectors. However, nonprofit organizations face heightened vulnerabilities, often due to limited funding for robust cybersecurity protocols. Moreover, these organizations frequently handle sensitive information about clients, donors, and employees, rendering them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The shift towards remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their exposure to data breaches and cyberattacks, driven by factors such as expanded attack surfaces, reduced oversight by security personnel, and the use of unsecured hardware and networks.

Nonprofit organizations are particularly susceptible to cyberattacks due to the nature of their operations. While technology streamlines online donations, it also provides cybercriminals with opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, especially if websites lack proper security measures. Similarly, communication enhancements brought about by technology introduce risks—clicking malicious links, downloading compromised files, or opening infected PDFs can result in damaging cybersecurity incidents. Despite well-intentioned volunteers, there’s a risk of cybercriminals infiltrating organizations through swift onboarding processes, placing them in jeopardy of cyberattacks.

Given that nonprofit organizations often operate within limited budgets, the investment required for robust cybersecurity measures or recovery from a data breach can be particularly challenging. However, many cyberattacks can be mitigated by securing digital donation systems, ensuring secure email communications, and conducting criminal background checks on staff and volunteers.

Conclusion

The nonprofit sector currently faces various significant trends that have far-reaching implications. By remaining vigilant and proactive in addressing these trends’ potential impacts, nonprofit organizations can position themselves for sustained growth and operational success in the long term.

For personalized guidance on managing industry-specific risks, please reach out to our dedicated Nonprofit team today.