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2009 Economic Impact Survey Results
In January 2009, the Orange County Funders Roundtable conducted an online survey of nonprofit organizations serving Orange County to see how they are faring during the economic downturn. The survey was sent to 878 email addresses and 161 responses were received, for a response rate of 18%. Seventy percent of the responding organizations anticipate having to make some adjustments during the economic downturn, with 32% indicating those adjustments will be major.
The survey results demonstrate that the nonprofit sector is experiencing serious effects from the changing economy. However, unlike much of the for-profit sector, where declining revenues are caused by a decreased demand for goods or services, declining revenues in the nonprofit sector are accompanied by increased demand for services, which are expected to be provided at low or no cost. As seen in the survey results, nonprofit organizations use many of the same tools as for-profit corporations to adjust to the changing economy, including laying off staff, reducing staff hours, reducing operating costs and seeking to increase revenues. Highlights of the survey results are presented below. Quotes throughout the report come from the respondents, but cannot be attributed to any particular person or organization because the responses were anonymous.
Click here to view the full report.
As Money Disappears: What Nonprofits Can Do
The grim forecast of Michael Clark, executive director of the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York, echoes the alarm of many a news headline over the last few weeks, predicting lean times in the wake of the financial meltdown. But to some experienced hands, the rickety condition of the financial services system – and slimmer municipal budgets – don’t have to mean a death sentence for nonprofit organizations.
Click here to view the full article.
Building Healthy Communities – Central Santa Ana
In May 2009, Central Santa Ana was selected as one of 14 sites to participate in The California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities Initiative. This award and designation launched an unprecedented effort to engage community residents, youth, public entities, schools, businesses, service providers, and non-profit organizations in the development of a ten year plan to build a healthy Central Santa Ana.
Click here to view the full report.
Tides Shared Spaces: Orange County Nonprofit Workspace Needs Assessment
A Roundtable subcommittee co-sponsored a regional survey of nonprofits on workspace needs. This survey, coupled with subsequent focus groups, provides a platform upon which to identify space needs and to plan for the creation of shared spaces.
Highlights of the report include:
- Approximately 40% of respondents indicate that they can only afford $1-$1.50 per square foot for their offices.
- Almost 30% of respondents work in offices under 1,000 square feet.
- Approximately 43% of respondents work with staff and board members interested in moving to a shared nonprofit building.
- The volatility of the real estate market, rising rents, and shrinking resources force nonprofits to find creative ways to solve their office space needs.
Click here to view the full report.
UCLA Center for Civil Society Report: The Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Civic Engagement in Orange County
In 2006, several funders commissioned the UCLA Center for Civil Society to provide an assessment of the Orange County nonprofit sector. The data collected and the resulting recommendations provided a rallying point and a platform for a larger group of funders to convene to discuss the report. Among the report findings:
- OC nonprofits are growing in numbers but not in capacity.
- OC lacks a “culture of giving” comparable to that of other regions.
- Smaller and mid-sized OC nonprofits are falling behind in their capacity to respond to growing community needs.
- OC nonprofits face challenges from territorialism, lack of coordination, and both information sharing and budgetary constraints.
- OC nonprofits do not benefit from leadership that can be “champions for the sector.”
- OC nonprofits face challenges in finding quality, stable, affordable space.
Click here to view the full report.
The Village at 17th Street
Orange County’s first multi-tenant nonprofit center.
Click here to view the full brochure.