Survey Finds Florida Nonprofit Sector Provides Vital Services but Needs Funding and Volunteers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Florida Nonprofit Alliance (FNA), which advocates on behalf of nonprofits and seeks to create a more vibrant community for nonprofits, today released its 2023 Florida Nonprofits Survey report. The survey, funded by Wells Fargo, features an annual review of how nonprofits fared in the previous calendar year.

“This report shows that one third of nonprofits in the state will experience a CEO turnover in the next two years. In addition, 17% of nonprofits have open staff positions and 15% are experiencing voluntary staff resignations, which demonstrates a need to invest in staff professional development, equitable salaries, and succession planning,” said Sabeen Perwaiz, president and CEO of FNA. “Approximately half of the nonprofits in Florida are run only by volunteers, and nonprofits provide programs and services in every county in the state.”

Nonprofits also express the need for new sources of funding. 72% of nonprofits receive donations from existing individual donors. It is more common for nonprofits to receive donations from existing funding sources than it is to receive donations from new ones. This provides an opportunity for all Floridians to give charitable donations, especially those who are not currently donating.

“The nonprofit sector in Florida is essential for the success of our communities,” said Kate Wilson, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact for Wells Fargo in Florida. We are proud to fund this survey because it sheds light into the important work our nonprofits are doing, while highlighting the many opportunities available for individuals and institutions to continue to be involved as volunteers and donors so that philanthropic organizations across Florida can continue to provide vital services for all.”

The 2023 survey the sector has continued to provide programs and services, and there are signs of improvement in both financial and fundraising indicators. However, 42% of nonprofits say fundraising is their biggest challenge, and one third of nonprofits saw a decrease in fundraising for program expenses. In addition, costs are increasing, and more than 40% of nonprofits need more volunteers, both of which add financial strain to organizations.

FNA has been conducting regular surveys within the Florida nonprofit sector since April of 2020. The 2023 survey looked at how nonprofits fared in five major categories – programs, people, finances, fundraising, and barriers to success. It also includes specific actions Floridians can take to support nonprofits.

Additional analyses, insights, and data are accessible in the full report here.

About Florida Nonprofit Alliance

The Florida Nonprofit Alliance (FNA) is a statewide coalition of nonprofits focused on research, collaboration and advocacy. Our mission is to inform, promote and strengthen Florida’s nonprofit sector. We provide a collective voice at the state and national levels, educating elected officials and constituents, and serve as a central resource and referral center for and about nonprofits. Visit www.flnonprofits.org.