How some nonprofits are surviving the recession

Another survey. This time of the fundraising results of a group of nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest (mainly Oregon): Nonprofit Fundraising Trends 2009 (PDF, from Retriever Development Counsel).

In this one, 46% of the groups surveyed said they got higher fundraising results in 2008, while 39% did worse. Not bad. But here are some findings from the study I find noteworthy:

• Nonprofits with diverse revenue streams, good management, and what could be labeled "learning cultures" appear to be coping markedly better than others.
• Organizations that are faring better appear to be putting more focus on development activities, especially individual donor relations including major donor development.
• Regardless of the size of the organization, the primary reason for fundraising success? "We asked more."

Cross-stitch that last one and hang it on your wall. That's how to thrive in a recession. And every other time, for that matter.

Thanks to About Nonprofit Charitable Orgs for the tip.

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