As nonprofit agencies are increasingly called upon to do more with less, nearly two-thirds (61%) of Bay Area nonprofits collaborated with other organizations to provide services last year, according to United Way’s 10th annual Bay Area Nonprofit Pulse Survey. The survey of 368 Bay Area nonprofit organizations showed a significant increase in collaborative efforts, up from 38% in 2010.
Volunteers continue to be a critical resource for local agencies, with 57% of survey respondents indicating they recruited more volunteers to help deliver services, up from 46% in 2010.
The sluggish economy continues to distress both nonprofits and the clients they serve. When asked if their clients are showing signs of recovery, 59% of nonprofits stated that people are faring worse, compared to 53% in in the prior year. Demand for services continues to climb, with 74% of nonprofits reporting an increase in demand last year. Of those organizations that reported increases in service demand, 27% said they had to turn away clients or refer them to other organizations.
59% of Bay Area nonprofits report their clients are faring worse than the year before
“The recession has severely compromised our community’s safety net,” said Anne Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Bay Area. “The Bay Area residents who were hit hardest by the recession will need years to fully recover and get back on their feet. To ensure local nonprofits can serve these mounting needs, it is so important for everyone to step up and support the nonprofits that serve our community by giving, advocating and volunteering.”
Despite the slow economic recovery and various challenges faced by the sector, nonprofit executives strive to maintain a positive outlook, with 67% indicating they feel optimistic about their organization’s outlook for the coming year, up from 57% two years ago.
Read the full press release and graphic summary about our Bay Area nonprofit survey in the United Way online press room: www.uwba.org/press.
