National Council of Nonprofit Associations

In tough economic times, people turn to their local nonprofits for help in meeting basic human needs. But the increased demands for help hit nonprofits at the same time that their own revenues decline because of the economy.

The National Council of Nonprofits developed this ever-evolving resource to help nonprofits and our allies better understand the situation and have ready access to strategies to help you navigate the economy so nonprofits can serve their communities more efficiently.

If you have a resource that would help to others, please contact us so we can share it.

New Materials

Spotlight - Special Reports on Economic Stimulus & Recovery - The National Council of Nonprofits is proud to openly share this evolving series of Special Reports about our nation’s economic recovery, including analysis of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the economic stimulus bill) that President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009.  

Spotlight - Foundations, Corporations Have Committed More Than $100 Million to Address Economic Crisis, Researcher Says - A growing number of grantmakers have made exceptional commitments to address the causes and impact of the current economic downturn, reports Steven Lawrence, senior director of research at the Foundation Center.

Spotlight - Many Foundations Have Lost Almost One-Third of Their Assets, Chronicle Study Finds - The steep decline in the stock market last year triggered an erosion of foundation wealth, with many grant makers losing nearly one-third of their assets, according to a new Chronicle survey of some of the nation’s largest philanthropies.

Commentary - "Keep On Giving: Times Are Even Tighter For Others" - Editorial from The Washington Post

Resource - "Foundation Center Training Scholarships" - The Foundation Center is now offering more scholarships to help under-resourced nonprofits build their capacity and seek financial support from foundations, corporations, and other institutional grantmakers.

Resource - "Opportunities in Lean Times" - Tools and strategies for coping with the economic downturn from Fieldstone Alliance

Proven Program - "Kennedy Center "Crisis" Project Throws a Lifeline to Arts Groups" - The Kennedy Center is aggressively moving to broaden its role beyond a center for the performing arts by announcing a new program to share its years of management and fundraising experience with struggling arts groups across the country.

	Focus Area: Basic Facts & Analysis This section provides links to materials designed to help the public, policymakers, journalists, and nonprofits understand the mounting economic challenges.
	Focus Area: Impact on Nonprofits This section identifies ways the economy is hurting nonprofits - and thereby the communities we serve.
	Focus Area: Proactive Positioning - Action Steps for Nonprofits This section shares resources to help nonprofits not only weather this economic storm, but also emerge even stronger.