As Nonprofit Quarterly says in their Winter 2010 issue, local conditions vary. There are many factors that impact your nonprofit, such as your funding sources, field of service, and the needs of your constituents. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Minnesota Council on Foundations have updated information on how the economy is affecting funders and Minnesota nonprofits in general. These reports can only take you so far; the most useful information is the "hyperlocal" conditions - what is happening on the ground at your nonprofit. As Kate Barr says in her article for Nonprofit Quarterly:

"In all forecasts, 'local conditions vary,' and the most relevant information is the situation at an individual nonprofit organization. Only by clearly understanding its own financial position, strengths, and risks can a nonprofit develop strategies to respond to the economy and plan for the future."

How can you get a handle on the conditions at your nonprofit? Our Assessment of Recession Risk and Preparedness for Nonprofit Organizations is a tool designed to help you quickly assess your organization. By answering these 20 questions, you will identify potential risk factors, immediate priorities, and proactive steps to take right away.

This tool is designed to lay the groundwork to help your organization take action when necessary. It is first step, not an in-depth organizational assessment. Whatever your starting point, the Recession Preparedness Assessment provides useful information to help you develop strategies and approaches to respond to the economy and plan for a sustainable future.

You can read the full article in Nonprofit Quarterly or download the Assessment from our website.