PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release – September 5, 2014

Graphic Caption: The Community Foundation survey revealed uncertainty in private revenue is the most compelling issue faced by local nonprofits.

New Canaan Community Foundation survey of local nonprofit organizations

illustrates critical role of NCCF

New Canaan – The New Canaan Community Foundation recently released results from their online survey of 76 leaders of area nonprofit organizations. Responses demonstrate the importance of NCCF as a local funder of high quality programs and will guide grant-making policy at the Community Foundation.

Consistent with the wide range of grants made by NCCF, survey respondents represent a range of organizations and services, with Youth and Education the most common type (30%) followed by Human Services (19%), Community Resource (14%), Mental Health Care (11%), Arts (8%), Elderly (6%), Special Needs (6%), and Health Care (2%). All of the agencies impact New Canaan residents through their work, but are physically located throughout our region. Many of the organizations are based in New Canaan (36%), with 28% in Stamford, 17% in Norwalk, and 19% are located in other communities in the region such as Greenwich, Bridgeport, Wilton, and Darien.

Leaders of nonprofits are confronted with a range of challenges to their organizations. The most pressing issue reported is competition for private charitable dollars and uncertainty and declines in private revenue and fee income. Ensuring that they provide the correct range of services to clients and marketing those services and their organization to increase awareness about their work was the next most common concern. The recruitment and retention of staff with appropriate skills and succession planning for staff leadership was also ranked as a significant challenge. Increased operating expenses, uncertainty and decreases in public revenue, and increased demand for services are also commonly cited leadership concerns.

Less frequently cited issues included concern about the overall financial health of the nonprofit, building strong volunteer Board of Directors leadership and underlying governance policies, and physical facilities management or decreased demand for services.

Nonprofit leaders see good news in the economy with 40% reporting that they see an improvement in the economy as it affects them and 53% report seeing no change. Only seven percent report seeing a worsening in the local economy and a subsequent impact on their organization.

The value of a grant from the Community Foundation goes beyond the actual financial contribution in terms of dollars the organization receives to support their programs. While the grant funds are essential to their success, most organizations surveyed reported that receiving a grant is also a strong vote of confidence that may influence other donors to support their efforts as well. Leaders also feel that the awareness of their organization in New Canaan is increased through the application process and specifically by the site visit made by our volunteers. The respondents noted their appreciation for guidance from Community Foundation staff and Board members as well as for critical insight into their programs and their organization through the evaluation and funding process.

Over 84% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement that they appreciate being able to apply for their most compelling funding need from the Community Foundation, both capital and operating grants. More than 82% strongly agree that they view NCCF as a professional local grant-maker and 70% strongly agreed that NCCF supports high-quality, high-impact programs. Respondents clearly feel that the Foundation is a key partner and understands their work.

The final question offered an opportunity for nonprofits to share other thoughts or comments. Several leaders spoke eloquently about the Foundation and the key role NCCF plays in the local charitable community. One respondent wrote, “NCCF is a highly professional and thoughtful organization with community interest at its highest. Every inquiry that I have made has been met with genuine interest and desire to help. I am most impressed and especially grateful for their support.” Another indicated that “The Foundation has strong professional leadership which is a tremendous asset to grantees. We appreciate NCCF's willingness to fund some needs beyond the New Canaan community.” One leader said they “Have appreciated the counsel, guidance and opportunities afforded our agency directly attributable to our connection with NCCF.” Finally, “NCCF provides professional, relevant and consistent support on a myriad of issues, with staff and volunteers with exceptional breadth and scope of knowledge and skills. We are a better non-profit for our relationship with NCCF.”

New Canaan Community Foundation provides local residents with ways to make their giving personal, simple, and powerful. Since 1977, NCCF has worked with local people giving together to make a difference. The Foundation has made over $9 million in high-impact grants and life-changing scholarships. To learn more, call (203) 966-0231 or visit www.newcanaancf.org.

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