INSIGHTS & TRENDS

Relationships are the most valuable assets we have. Organizations that invest in and excel at managing their relationships always outperform those that neglect those relationships.

The community is a partner that cannot be neglected. Investment in the community through strategic partnering generates health and sustainability for organizations and the community.

• Nonprofits fail at a rate of 80% during their first 60 months of operation (USCC 2000).
• Lack of reliable and predictable income is the single biggest cause of nonprofit failure (AANP 2000).
• Nonprofit Executive Directors seldom communicate on a regular basis with their equivalents in business (Fuse Inc. 2001).
• Nonprofit Executive Directors report feeling ill prepared to initiate discussions with corporations regarding long term strategic alliances (Fuse Inc. 2001).



• 88% of Americans believe that during an economic downturn and period of tighter consumer spending, it is important for companies to continue supporting causes - up from 71% in March 2001 (Cone/Roper 2001).
• 92% of Americans today have a more positive image of companies and products that support causes - up from 81% in March 2001(Cone/Roper 2001).
• Employees with favorable impressions of their company's giving programs are five times more likely to remain with their employers (Walker Information 2002).
• Among shareholders who rated a company's philanthropy favorably, 78% say they will continue to invest in the company (National Philanthropy Benchmark Study 2002).



• Government is increasingly reliant on the nonprofit sector to carry out governmental responsibilities (The Three Sector Initiative 2002).
• Cross-sector collaborations, partnerships, and alliances are more important than ever in addressing the increasing number of complex issues that spill over sectoral boundaries (The Three Sector Initiative 2002).
• Despite the importance of working together, nonprofit, business, and government leaders are still "talking past one another" in significant ways (Pew Partnership 2001).
• Mastering the cultural differences between corporations and nonprofits remains one of the most significant challenges in making community redevelopment work (The Conference Board 2002).

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