Survey data only creates value when it leads to action. In Part III of our survey series, we show nonprofits how to avoid the “collect and forget” trap by turning stakeholder feedback into clear decisions, visible improvements, and measurable impact.
Many nonprofits collect survey feedback without a clear plan for how it will be used, resulting in data that rarely leads to action. Effective surveys start with intentional design — identifying the decision the survey will inform and structuring questions to deliver usable insight. In this second installment of our survey design series, we outline a practical framework nonprofits can use to gather meaningful feedback, improve programs, and make data‑informed decisions that strengthen impact and stakeholder trust.
This guide explores the full lifecycle of effective nonprofit surveys, from initial design through implementation and action planning, demonstrating that meaningful change requires three interconnected elements: thoughtful design, strategic implementation, and committed follow-through.
Technology adoption separates thriving nonprofits from struggling ones. Organizations that effectively integrate technology across fundraising, service delivery, and operations are significantly more likely to report revenue growth. Yet many nonprofits remain woefully behind in their use of technology, creating both operational inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
This short article summarizes practical actions nonprofit leaders and trustees can take to strengthen board engagement and effectiveness.
The nonprofit sector is entering 2026 facing its most challenging financial environment in a decade. If you’re a nonprofit executive director, board member, or financial officer feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone. Recent data reveals that 36% of nonprofits ended 2024 with operating deficits—the highest rate in ten years. Meanwhile, 84% of organizations that receive government funding anticipate cuts in the coming year, and 86% report that inflation continues to have a significant impact on their operations.
A well-structured cash reserve policy is an essential element of strong financial stewardship in the nonprofit sector. Reserves give organizations the stability to weather revenue fluctuations, address unforeseen expenses, and invest strategically in mission-driven initiatives. Developing a clear, board-approved policy ensures consistency, transparency, and accountability in how reserves are built and used.
The nonprofit sector is entering 2026 facing its most challenging financial environment in a decade. If you're a nonprofit executive director, board member, or financial officer feeling the squeeze, you're not alone. Recent data reveals that 36% of nonprofits ended 2024 with operating deficits—the highest rate in ten years. Meanwhile, 84% of organizations that receive government funding anticipate cuts in the coming year, and 86% report that inflation continues to have a significant impact on their operations.
In the competitive landscape of nonprofit funding, where resources are scarce and donor expectations are high, effectively evaluating nonprofit program success is essential for sustainability and growth. According to recent surveys, approximately 70% of nonprofits struggle to demonstrate measurable impact, often because they select inappropriate evaluation approaches that fail to capture the full picture of program performance. This article explores nonprofit program evaluation methods, focusing on three key frameworks — goal-based, process-based, and outcomes-based — to help organizations choose the right tools for assessing new initiatives.
Endowments are a cornerstone for nonprofit financial sustainability, providing a permanent funding source that enables organizations to support their mission for generations. Yet, nonprofit endowment fund accounting is daunting, with complex compliance requirements and evolving standards such as UPMIFA (Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act) and ASC 958. For nonprofits and their boards, proper endowment management entails more than maintaining spreadsheets — it involves building stakeholder trust and ensuring the organization’s long-term future. In this guide, Temple Management CPA shares everything you need to know about accounting, compliance, and reporting for nonprofit endowment funds.
