Underdeveloped: the challenges facing nonprofit fundraising

The newly released study UnderDeveloped: A National Study of Challenges Facing Nonprofit Fundraising reveals that many nonprofits are stuck in a vicious cycle that threatens their ability to raise the resources they need to succeed. A joint project of CompassPoint and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the report found high levels of turnover and lengthy vacancies in development director positions throughout the sector. More significantly, the study reveals deeper issues that contribute to instability in the development director role, including a lack of basic fundraising systems and inadequate attention to fund development among key board and staff leaders.

Key findings:

  • Insufficient amount of qualified candidates for development director jobs
  • Inadequate organizational capacity to carry out fundraising activities
  • Lack of shared responsibility for fund development among key board and staff leaders at many organizations

The report issues 10 calls to action, including leveraging new technology tools, embracing and valuing fund development, and training boards differently to cultivate a culture of philanthropy.

Download the full report.

UnderDeveloped: National Study of Fundraising

Via: CompassPoint