Northwest Nonprofits are a robust network of organizations and change agents creating positive systemic change. They provide much-needed services, address inequities, and develop innovative solutions to community issues. Nonprofits also generate significant economic impact in our states and communities. Because the nonprofit sector is vital to the flourishing of communities throughout the Northwest, the capacity of nonprofits is critical. For communities to thrive, nonprofits need capacity – talent, resources, time, and expertise – to carry out their stated missions. To understand the capacity of nonprofits in the Northwest states, the five-state nonprofit capacity-building associations, in conjunction with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Dialogues In Action, designed a survey in the Spring of 2024. The survey sought to answer this question:

What is the current capacity of nonprofits in the Northwest states to carry out their missions?

The five state nonprofit associations, their partners, and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust administered the survey. This project is guided by the shared leadership of the five state nonprofit associations:

The data in this report represent the perceptions of nonprofit leaders who participated in this survey. Any survey of this kind cannot capture the full spectrum of nonprofit experience. Also, leaders’ perceptions may sometimes diverge from those of others within their organizations. Still, the insights are valuable and illuminate critical strengths and areas for capacity improvement.

We encourage you to download a free copy of the report today and consider how these insights can inform your involvement in and for the nonprofit sector.

You can also read a blog by MJ Murdock Charitable Trust about the report here.