The economic downturn - coupled with Pfizer's departure - has provided a “perfect storm” for local nonprofits.

Health and human service organizations have witnessed a dramatic decrease in available funding coupled with a dramatic increase in demand for their services.

For local arts institutions, decreased ticket sales have compounded a dramatic drop in corporate sponsorships and the erosion of public funding – all of which have threatened their capacity to continue programming that our community values.

In partnership with local funders, the Community Foundation surveyed area nonprofits in 2009 to understand what adjustments nonprofits have had to make to survive a new economic reality and what kind of support they needed most.

Survey responses in 2009 were worrisome – though not surprising. Nonprofits need operating support.  Of those surveyed:

• More than 1/2 have witnessed dramatic decreases in funding.
• Nearly 1/3 of health and human service agencies had to reduce programs and services – even in the face of increased demand.
• More than 41% had to tap into financial reserves to close operating budget deficits.
• Nearly 40% were forced to make staff reductions which greatly compromises the services they provide and mean local jobs are lost.

To respond, AAACF has refocused funding priorities toward supporting nonprofit sustainability::

• Direct operating support to help nonprofits bridge budget shortfalls that threatened valuable programs and services.
• Special capacity building projects that promise to strengthen a nonprofit’s long-term sustainability, and
• Initiatives that encouraged greater collaboration between nonprofits.

In 2009, the Community Foundation provided operating support to a number of  local nonprofits to help them preserve critical programs and services.
For a complete list of 2009 Grants.

AAACF's Spring 2010 grant cycle funded many projects intended to support local nonprofits' long-term sustainability.  For a list of Spring 2010 grants.