October 14, 2009

Scanning the Horizons: An Overview of Trends, Issues, Factors, Uncertainties, and Drivers Affecting Nonprofit Human Service Organizations

The nonprofit field has seen a very tumultuous and uncertain time over the last 18 months. The continuing economic downturn for America, collapse of financial systems, and decrease of state budgets changed the landscape for nonprofit providers, the people and communities. The focus on fusing intellectual capital with superior membership services drives nonprofits to keep their eyes on today's issues, while opening the window to a wider future.

Trend tracking may give a glimpse into the pressing issues of today and into the future and prepare organizations for approaching challenges in areas such as resource development and survivability of programming. The top five categories that are affecting nonprofit human service organizations are the basis of this report, created by the Severson National Information Center. Faculty members from Notre Dame University's Mendoza College of Business, Master of Nonprofit Administration Program submitted impacts and economic forecast information that provided a broad national view adding, depth to the trends, and impacts.