Culture Chronicle

Worrisome Numbers For 2010 Budgets And Boards
ArtsJournal.com, Real Clear Arts - April 12, 2010
By Judith H. Dobrzynski

A couple of weeks ago, the Nonprofit Finance Fund, which makes loans and provides financial consultations, released the results of its annual State of the Sector survey. In this year's edition, of 1,315 nonprofit leaders, it found most were bracing for a tough 2010. No surprise, there.

But it also found, in the arts sector, that many want help with their boards -- maybe that's no shock either, but it speaks to an issue I've mentioned before as worrisome.

In general, across all kinds of non-profits -- arts, human services, environment, education, animal welfare, etc.:

Nearly 90% expect 2010 to be as difficult or more difficult than 2009; only 12% expect 2010 to be financially easier for their organizations.

80% of nonprofits anticipate an increase in demand for services in 2010; 49% expect to be able to fully meet this demand level.

Only 18% of organizations expect to end 2010 above break-even; 35% of organizations ended 2009 with an operating surplus.

The majority - 61% - have less than three months of cash available; 12% have none. For the full article, click here