A good story on the difficulties and opportunities facing the nonprofit human service sector from the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
An excerpt, with links at the jump.
“With a bigger share of America’s population reaching old age and growing more diverse, social-service organizations are in for some big changes in the not-too-distant future. Adding to the challenge: the turbulence in government and private financing.
“For the past six months, the Alliance for Children and Families—a membership group for human-service charities—has interviewed nonprofit leaders, gathered focus groups, and conducted surveys to identify the emerging trends organizations must embrace to succeed.
“Today the alliance has published its findings in a new report, “Disruptive Forces: Driving a Human Services Revolution.”
“Sparking Conversation
“Some of the six trends detailed in the report will sound familiar, such as the need for nonprofits to demonstrate to potential donors the results of their programs as well as the emergence of new types of financing that combine social and financial returns.
“But the report also includes some provocative observations that are likely to spur debate. For example, when discussing “information liberation,” which refers to the fact that a new generation of consumers is more likely to share information about themselves, it’s clear that the report’s authors disapprove of social-service groups’ approach to handling client information.
“The human-services sector has used ‘privacy’ and ‘confidentiality’ as an excuse to avoid developments that promote information sharing,” they write. “Information sharing can improve service-delivery models such that they ultimately give consumers more control over how their information is shared and allow other agencies in the same continuum to provide better care.”
“The report calls on organizations to integrate advances in science and technology into their work and suggests that brain scanning might be one way for charities to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.
“Boards will find themselves challenged by the ethical tension between high-tech and high-touch approaches,” the authors write.
“Other forces cited in the report that require nonprofits to act: growing competition that requires a willingness to take risks on innovative projects, plus a focus on “branding causes, not charities,” to persuade donors to focus on the issue, not on a particular group.”
Showing posts with label Demographics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Demographics. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Nonprofit Job Growth
In what should not be a surprise to anyone, this story from the Nonprofit Chamber of Service reports it only grew by 1% in 2010.
An excerpt.
“The growth in nonprofit jobs slowed in 2010 compared with other recent years, according to a new analysis of U.S. labor statistics.
“The number of nonprofit jobs grew by just under 1 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to a study of figures in 45 states by the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies, in Baltimore. Year-to-year nonprofit job totals increased by 1.2 percent in 2009 and 2.6 percent in 2008.
“However, nonprofits fared better in 2010 than for-profit companies, which saw a 0.9 percent decrease in jobs last year.
“Among specific fields, education added the most jobs in recent years, at a rate of 1.9 percent from 2007 to 2010, followed by professional services and arts, each at 1.8 percent. Health-related jobs grew by 1.6 percent, and social services by 1.5 percent. Civic groups saw a 0.5-percent drop in jobs during that three-year period, according to the report.
“Other key findings show that half of all nonprofit jobs are health-related, 13 percent are in education, and 11 percent in social services.”
An excerpt.
“The growth in nonprofit jobs slowed in 2010 compared with other recent years, according to a new analysis of U.S. labor statistics.
“The number of nonprofit jobs grew by just under 1 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to a study of figures in 45 states by the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies, in Baltimore. Year-to-year nonprofit job totals increased by 1.2 percent in 2009 and 2.6 percent in 2008.
“However, nonprofits fared better in 2010 than for-profit companies, which saw a 0.9 percent decrease in jobs last year.
“Among specific fields, education added the most jobs in recent years, at a rate of 1.9 percent from 2007 to 2010, followed by professional services and arts, each at 1.8 percent. Health-related jobs grew by 1.6 percent, and social services by 1.5 percent. Civic groups saw a 0.5-percent drop in jobs during that three-year period, according to the report.
“Other key findings show that half of all nonprofit jobs are health-related, 13 percent are in education, and 11 percent in social services.”
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Classifying Nonprofits
Defining nonprofits has always been somewhat unfair to the really small organizations I like to work with, grassroots groups started by one person with a vision, and working to fulfill that with less (usually way less) than $250,000 annual revenue.
Karan Zapp has set up a good starting point through her survey, establishing six categories.
An excerpt, modified for clarity.
“Just over a month ago I reached out to the nonprofit industry.
“I asked leaders at nonprofits, colleagues at agencies, and other professionals to cast their vote to help establish classifications of nonprofit organizations by size. Specifically by annual gross receipts….
“Nano … annual gross receipts less than $250,000
“Micro … annual gross receipts greater than $250,000 and less than $500,000 (Range $250,000 – $500,000 per year)
“Small … annual gross receipts greater than $500,000 and less than $10-Million (Range $500,000 – $10 million/year)
“Medium … annual gross receipts greater than $10-Million and less than $50-Million (Range $10 – $50 million/year)
“Large … annual gross receipts greater than $50-Million and less than $100-Million (Range $50 – $100 million/year)
“Mega … annual gross receipts greater than $100-Million"
Karan Zapp has set up a good starting point through her survey, establishing six categories.
An excerpt, modified for clarity.
“Just over a month ago I reached out to the nonprofit industry.
“I asked leaders at nonprofits, colleagues at agencies, and other professionals to cast their vote to help establish classifications of nonprofit organizations by size. Specifically by annual gross receipts….
“Nano … annual gross receipts less than $250,000
“Micro … annual gross receipts greater than $250,000 and less than $500,000 (Range $250,000 – $500,000 per year)
“Small … annual gross receipts greater than $500,000 and less than $10-Million (Range $500,000 – $10 million/year)
“Medium … annual gross receipts greater than $10-Million and less than $50-Million (Range $10 – $50 million/year)
“Large … annual gross receipts greater than $50-Million and less than $100-Million (Range $50 – $100 million/year)
“Mega … annual gross receipts greater than $100-Million"
Monday, September 19, 2011
Donation Statistics
The ongoing difficulty raising funds is reported in an article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, with links at the jump.
An excerpt.
“Charities are barely raising enough money from new and repeat donors to keep up with the losses from people who have stopped giving, according to a new study of donor records for 2,377 charities.
“In total, the charities in the study raised more than $1.6-billion last year. But for every $5.35 that they received in donations, they lost $5.54 from donors who gave less or stopped giving altogether.
“As a result, contributions fell by an average of 1.9 percent.
“That finding, however, shows improvement over the previous two years, when the charities fell even further behind in contributions.
“The charities in the study lost an average of 17.7 percent in contributions during 2009 after flat returns the year before.
“The charities in the study also did better in increasing the number of people who support their organizations, with an average 1.7-percent increase in supporters, compared with a 2.2-percent loss in 2009.
“Charities are not paying enough attention to retaining the donors that they worked so hard to get in previous years,” said Elizabeth Boris, director of the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, which released the study with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “Nonprofits have to get better at telling current donors what they’ve accomplished and building that connection that will last.”
An excerpt.
“Charities are barely raising enough money from new and repeat donors to keep up with the losses from people who have stopped giving, according to a new study of donor records for 2,377 charities.
“In total, the charities in the study raised more than $1.6-billion last year. But for every $5.35 that they received in donations, they lost $5.54 from donors who gave less or stopped giving altogether.
“As a result, contributions fell by an average of 1.9 percent.
“That finding, however, shows improvement over the previous two years, when the charities fell even further behind in contributions.
“The charities in the study lost an average of 17.7 percent in contributions during 2009 after flat returns the year before.
“The charities in the study also did better in increasing the number of people who support their organizations, with an average 1.7-percent increase in supporters, compared with a 2.2-percent loss in 2009.
“Charities are not paying enough attention to retaining the donors that they worked so hard to get in previous years,” said Elizabeth Boris, director of the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, which released the study with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “Nonprofits have to get better at telling current donors what they’ve accomplished and building that connection that will last.”
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Volunteering
A lot of time volunteered last year, as this report from Nonprofit About.com notes.
An excerpt.
“The Corporation for National and Community Service this week released figures from its research into volunteering for 2010. The big number is the 8.1 billion hours that Americans gave to volunteer activities last year. Those hours are valued at nearly $173 billion of services throughout US communities.
“Here are some other stats from the research:
• 8.1 billion hours clocked...about the same as in 2009.
• the rate dropped slightly, but hours remained the same due to many volunteers increasing their volunteer hours.
• number of volunteers serving 100 hours or more per year increased to 33.8%
• the median number of hours volunteers served increased to 52 per year
• Generation X (born 1965-1981) volunteers gave more time to volunteer work in 2010 than they ever had, doubling their rate between 1989 to 2010, from 12.3% to 29.2%.
• teen volunteer rates have been consistently higher between 2002 and 2010 than they were in 1989, reflecting the rising interest and the increasing opportunities for these young volunteers
• the volunteer life cycle shows that volunteering peaks during a volunteer's mid 30s to early 40s
• volunteering diminishes as volunteers become older, but that decline has become less severe, reflecting the improving health and appreciation for the age-defying effects of volunteering by older people.”
An excerpt.
“The Corporation for National and Community Service this week released figures from its research into volunteering for 2010. The big number is the 8.1 billion hours that Americans gave to volunteer activities last year. Those hours are valued at nearly $173 billion of services throughout US communities.
“Here are some other stats from the research:
• 8.1 billion hours clocked...about the same as in 2009.
• the rate dropped slightly, but hours remained the same due to many volunteers increasing their volunteer hours.
• number of volunteers serving 100 hours or more per year increased to 33.8%
• the median number of hours volunteers served increased to 52 per year
• Generation X (born 1965-1981) volunteers gave more time to volunteer work in 2010 than they ever had, doubling their rate between 1989 to 2010, from 12.3% to 29.2%.
• teen volunteer rates have been consistently higher between 2002 and 2010 than they were in 1989, reflecting the rising interest and the increasing opportunities for these young volunteers
• the volunteer life cycle shows that volunteering peaks during a volunteer's mid 30s to early 40s
• volunteering diminishes as volunteers become older, but that decline has become less severe, reflecting the improving health and appreciation for the age-defying effects of volunteering by older people.”
Monday, April 11, 2011
Americans Give to Churches, Big Time
The State Journal reports on the increase in giving recently.
“ROCK BRANCH -- The State of the Plate survey of more than 1,500 churches across the country found 43 percent saw an increase in giving.
"We haven't noticed a considerable decline in giving here other than people loosing good jobs," says Reverend Delbert Hawley, pastor of Rock Branch Independent Church.
“He says energy efficient bulbs are one way the church has saved money. He remembers how retired church members also helped the church save money by helping build the current sanctuary.
"They just reported here for work," says Hawley.”
“ROCK BRANCH -- The State of the Plate survey of more than 1,500 churches across the country found 43 percent saw an increase in giving.
"We haven't noticed a considerable decline in giving here other than people loosing good jobs," says Reverend Delbert Hawley, pastor of Rock Branch Independent Church.
“He says energy efficient bulbs are one way the church has saved money. He remembers how retired church members also helped the church save money by helping build the current sanctuary.
"They just reported here for work," says Hawley.”
Friday, March 4, 2011
Public Pensions
An article from the California Chamber of Commerce, reporting on a Little Hoover Commission report, that if followed, would impact public pensions substantially, might also impact those from the nonprofit sector.
An excerpt.
“(March 4, 2011) With the debate over public sector pension costs roiling the nation, a bipartisan, independent state commission released a report charting a bold path for pension reforms that would create both short- and long-term budget savings.
“The Little Hoover Commission unanimously adopted Public Pensions for Retirement Security, calling for legislative action to establish the legal authority to allow state and local governments to freeze pension benefits for current workers, and allowing those workers to accrue future benefits under more sustainable pension plans.
“Reform for Current Workforce
“After 10 months of public hearings and background research, commissioners concluded that California’s pension crisis cannot be solved without addressing the obligations of current employees, many of whom have accrued generous benefits augmented during the go-go years of the dot.com and real estate bubbles.
“Without doubt, the proposal will face significant political and legal hurdles. But ignoring the burden that the current obligations place on government budgets and on taxpayers is like pretending the underwater earthquake won’t create a tsunami. The disaster will happen; the only question is how soon. In the words of the commission’s report, “Pension costs will crush government.”
“The commission included a number of forward-looking reforms, too. It recommended a “hybrid” pension model that combines a lower defined-benefit pension formula with an employer-matched and risk-managed defined-contribution plan.
“The commission also suggested that the state explore extending Social Security old-age benefits to uncovered state and local employees, as is the case with the federal workforce.”
An excerpt.
“(March 4, 2011) With the debate over public sector pension costs roiling the nation, a bipartisan, independent state commission released a report charting a bold path for pension reforms that would create both short- and long-term budget savings.
“The Little Hoover Commission unanimously adopted Public Pensions for Retirement Security, calling for legislative action to establish the legal authority to allow state and local governments to freeze pension benefits for current workers, and allowing those workers to accrue future benefits under more sustainable pension plans.
“Reform for Current Workforce
“After 10 months of public hearings and background research, commissioners concluded that California’s pension crisis cannot be solved without addressing the obligations of current employees, many of whom have accrued generous benefits augmented during the go-go years of the dot.com and real estate bubbles.
“Without doubt, the proposal will face significant political and legal hurdles. But ignoring the burden that the current obligations place on government budgets and on taxpayers is like pretending the underwater earthquake won’t create a tsunami. The disaster will happen; the only question is how soon. In the words of the commission’s report, “Pension costs will crush government.”
“The commission included a number of forward-looking reforms, too. It recommended a “hybrid” pension model that combines a lower defined-benefit pension formula with an employer-matched and risk-managed defined-contribution plan.
“The commission also suggested that the state explore extending Social Security old-age benefits to uncovered state and local employees, as is the case with the federal workforce.”
Friday, February 4, 2011
Redevelopment Funds
As many states, ours is one, debate the future of redevelopment funds which have driven some urban development for several years, it is worthwhile to consider, as this article from the Wall Street Journal does, allowing the effort to become a nonprofit enterprise.
An excerpt.
“Some cash-strapped states have identified another job they want to shift to the private sector: economic development.
“A number of governors are working to turn their development offices into some form of nonprofit private entity, a move that would transfer the task of giving out state grants, tax breaks and other economic incentives from the hands of government.
“The idea, which has as much to do with economic philosophies as with saving money, is mainly gaining ground in states with Republican governors, including Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Arizona.
"It's a matter of greater flexibility and the ability to act more like a chamber [of commerce] rather than a state agency," said Wisconsin's new Republican governor Scott Walker, adding that private groups are better equipped to create jobs and attract companies.
“As tax revenue has shriveled in recent years, cities and states have moved to privatize various operations, such as state-run liquor stores, local libraries and parking meters.
“Seven states, including Michigan and Florida, already have some form of private group filling the economic-development role. Critics say handing this power to a private entity can create conflicts of interest, because the nonprofits usually have boards made up of public officials and private business leaders. This can create conflicts as these boards help steer tax breaks and incentives.
“Also, in many cases private economic-development agencies aren't subject to the same standards for public disclosure as government agencies, even though they receive government money. In Ohio, where newly elected Gov. John Kasich has proposed dissolving the state's Department of Development and creating an entity called JobsOhio, lawmakers have pushed to increase disclosures and allow the state's inspector general to investigate the proposed entity.
“Advocates say it makes sense to separate the task of creating jobs from large government agencies that often have a broader mission. In Wisconsin, the current Department of Commerce has responsibility for regulation as well as economic development. Among the 400 employees in Ohio's Department of Development, 60 are focused on economic development; the balance handle areas including homeless programs, community development and home energy assistance.”
An excerpt.
“Some cash-strapped states have identified another job they want to shift to the private sector: economic development.
“A number of governors are working to turn their development offices into some form of nonprofit private entity, a move that would transfer the task of giving out state grants, tax breaks and other economic incentives from the hands of government.
“The idea, which has as much to do with economic philosophies as with saving money, is mainly gaining ground in states with Republican governors, including Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Arizona.
"It's a matter of greater flexibility and the ability to act more like a chamber [of commerce] rather than a state agency," said Wisconsin's new Republican governor Scott Walker, adding that private groups are better equipped to create jobs and attract companies.
“As tax revenue has shriveled in recent years, cities and states have moved to privatize various operations, such as state-run liquor stores, local libraries and parking meters.
“Seven states, including Michigan and Florida, already have some form of private group filling the economic-development role. Critics say handing this power to a private entity can create conflicts of interest, because the nonprofits usually have boards made up of public officials and private business leaders. This can create conflicts as these boards help steer tax breaks and incentives.
“Also, in many cases private economic-development agencies aren't subject to the same standards for public disclosure as government agencies, even though they receive government money. In Ohio, where newly elected Gov. John Kasich has proposed dissolving the state's Department of Development and creating an entity called JobsOhio, lawmakers have pushed to increase disclosures and allow the state's inspector general to investigate the proposed entity.
“Advocates say it makes sense to separate the task of creating jobs from large government agencies that often have a broader mission. In Wisconsin, the current Department of Commerce has responsibility for regulation as well as economic development. Among the 400 employees in Ohio's Department of Development, 60 are focused on economic development; the balance handle areas including homeless programs, community development and home energy assistance.”
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Social Programs Data
Getting good data that can determine success has always been difficult from programs that work to change behavior, as it is not always easy to measure behavior change, especially within the two or three year window most nonprofits interact with clients.
This article from the Foundation Center explores the issue.
An excerpt.
“There's no question that the need for better data is on the minds of just about everyone who is working to address seemingly intractable social problems. If you run a nonprofit, you've undoubtedly felt the push from funders to demonstrate the impact of your programs. If you're a foundation program officer or an individual donor, you are probably looking for data that enable you to compare programs and choose the most effective ones. And in today's tough economic climate, government leaders at the local, state, and federal levels are urgently seeking ways to use data to make better use of increasingly limited resources.
“Fortunately, we're on the brink of a sea change in how we generate and use data to address social problems — and change is exactly what we need. Although significant data on social issues exist, much of it is not publicly available or is not action oriented. Indeed, quality information about nonprofit performance is scarce and not typically standardized to make it possible to compare organizations working on the same issue. As a result, we don't know whether the billions of dollars invested annually in nonprofit organizations by the public and private sectors is achieving the desired results — or any results at all.
“The enormous potential to improve the quality of and access to information is analogous to the information revolution that took place in the private sector during the twentieth century. The first stage of that revolution was inaugurated by Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which required publicly traded companies to file annual reports (known as 10Ks) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information revolution continued with the rise of the tech sector in the United States in the late 1970s. Back then, tech start-ups were growing rapidly. Many investors, however, lacked data about industry trends, which companies were "hot," and how those companies were performing on a comparative level. One of the innovations that helped provide more transparency at the time was the development of an independent financial research industry. Reports, conferences, and advice began to be offered by the likes of the Yankee Group, Forrester, and Gartner Research. That information, in turn, provided investors with the insights they needed to make informed investment decisions and greatly increased the amount of growth capital available to tech companies, both young and established.
“In the nonprofit sector today, by contrast, the only standardized source of information is the 990 tax form. And while the 990 provides financial information, it offers no indication of whether an organization is fulfilling the charitable purpose for which it was awarded tax-exempt status in the first place. Imagine, then, what an information revolution similar to the one that transformed the private sector in the last quarter of the twentieth century might mean for twenty-first-century efforts to invest in social change. Rigorous and readily available assessments would ensure that "social investors" are able to identify the most successful approaches to our most pressing social issues. Nonprofits with access to better information could use that information to assess their programs and make informed decisions about ways to improve those programs. Funders would be able to more effectively compare programs and select the most promising grantees at every step of the innovation cycle — from early-stage testing of new models to replicating already proven approaches. And collaborations involving the nonprofit, government, and business sectors would be able to use data to help ensure that their efforts resulted in sustained social impact.”
This article from the Foundation Center explores the issue.
An excerpt.
“There's no question that the need for better data is on the minds of just about everyone who is working to address seemingly intractable social problems. If you run a nonprofit, you've undoubtedly felt the push from funders to demonstrate the impact of your programs. If you're a foundation program officer or an individual donor, you are probably looking for data that enable you to compare programs and choose the most effective ones. And in today's tough economic climate, government leaders at the local, state, and federal levels are urgently seeking ways to use data to make better use of increasingly limited resources.
“Fortunately, we're on the brink of a sea change in how we generate and use data to address social problems — and change is exactly what we need. Although significant data on social issues exist, much of it is not publicly available or is not action oriented. Indeed, quality information about nonprofit performance is scarce and not typically standardized to make it possible to compare organizations working on the same issue. As a result, we don't know whether the billions of dollars invested annually in nonprofit organizations by the public and private sectors is achieving the desired results — or any results at all.
“The enormous potential to improve the quality of and access to information is analogous to the information revolution that took place in the private sector during the twentieth century. The first stage of that revolution was inaugurated by Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which required publicly traded companies to file annual reports (known as 10Ks) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information revolution continued with the rise of the tech sector in the United States in the late 1970s. Back then, tech start-ups were growing rapidly. Many investors, however, lacked data about industry trends, which companies were "hot," and how those companies were performing on a comparative level. One of the innovations that helped provide more transparency at the time was the development of an independent financial research industry. Reports, conferences, and advice began to be offered by the likes of the Yankee Group, Forrester, and Gartner Research. That information, in turn, provided investors with the insights they needed to make informed investment decisions and greatly increased the amount of growth capital available to tech companies, both young and established.
“In the nonprofit sector today, by contrast, the only standardized source of information is the 990 tax form. And while the 990 provides financial information, it offers no indication of whether an organization is fulfilling the charitable purpose for which it was awarded tax-exempt status in the first place. Imagine, then, what an information revolution similar to the one that transformed the private sector in the last quarter of the twentieth century might mean for twenty-first-century efforts to invest in social change. Rigorous and readily available assessments would ensure that "social investors" are able to identify the most successful approaches to our most pressing social issues. Nonprofits with access to better information could use that information to assess their programs and make informed decisions about ways to improve those programs. Funders would be able to more effectively compare programs and select the most promising grantees at every step of the innovation cycle — from early-stage testing of new models to replicating already proven approaches. And collaborations involving the nonprofit, government, and business sectors would be able to use data to help ensure that their efforts resulted in sustained social impact.”
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Small Nonprofits
Over the past few years legislation was passed that required all nonprofits, even those with income of $25,000 a year or less, to file a 990 form with the IRS, and though it is a straightforward online process, many small nonprofits still struggle with it.
In response to the new interest in small nonprofits, the Urban Institute produced a brief, "Small Nonprofit Organizations: A Profile of Form 990-N Filers” and it is worth a read.
In response to the new interest in small nonprofits, the Urban Institute produced a brief, "Small Nonprofit Organizations: A Profile of Form 990-N Filers” and it is worth a read.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dependence Index
The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Dependence on Government is an important document for nonprofit leaders—especially those in human service nonprofits—as it helps in defining the environment within which they operate.
An excerpt from this years report.
“Abstract: Year after year, The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Dependence on Government documents the ever-growing number of federal aid programs and the ever-growing number of Americans who rely on government subsidies for their existence. The number of Americans who now pay no taxes has passed 35 percent. The International Monetary Fund predicts financial devastation for the U.S. by 2015 unless drastic cuts are made in the deficit immediately, and Congress has lost control of the national budget. An impending tipping point for the structure of American government and civil society is tangible. Following are preliminary estimates for the upcoming 2010 Index of Dependence on Government that all Americans should heed.
“The Heritage Foundation has published the Index of Dependence on Government for eight consecutive years. For each of these eight years, the Index has signaled troubling and rapid increases in the growth of dependence-creating federal programs; and for each of these eight years, Heritage has warned of the threat that rapid growth in government dependence poses for the United States’ republican form of government, as well as for the broader civil society.
“Preliminary estimates for the 2010 Index dramatically underscore the concerns of years past. According to preliminary estimates by The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Data Analysis (CDA):
1. Americans’ dependence on government grew by 13.6 percent in 2009.
2. The Index’s dependence variables that grew the most over that past year are:
• Health and Welfare at 22 percent,
• Rural and Agricultural Services at 20 percent, and
• Housing at 15 percent.
3. The increase over 2009 means that the Index has grown by 49 percent since 2001.
4. Americans’ dependence on the government was 14 times greater in 2009 than it was in 1962.
“The increase in the Index of Dependence on Government during 2009 is the greatest single-year percentage change since 1976. It covers data through the end of 2009, which was a momentous year across a wide horizon of public policies. Even seasoned Washington insiders, however, might be surprised to learn just how noteworthy that year was.”
An excerpt from this years report.
“Abstract: Year after year, The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Dependence on Government documents the ever-growing number of federal aid programs and the ever-growing number of Americans who rely on government subsidies for their existence. The number of Americans who now pay no taxes has passed 35 percent. The International Monetary Fund predicts financial devastation for the U.S. by 2015 unless drastic cuts are made in the deficit immediately, and Congress has lost control of the national budget. An impending tipping point for the structure of American government and civil society is tangible. Following are preliminary estimates for the upcoming 2010 Index of Dependence on Government that all Americans should heed.
“The Heritage Foundation has published the Index of Dependence on Government for eight consecutive years. For each of these eight years, the Index has signaled troubling and rapid increases in the growth of dependence-creating federal programs; and for each of these eight years, Heritage has warned of the threat that rapid growth in government dependence poses for the United States’ republican form of government, as well as for the broader civil society.
“Preliminary estimates for the 2010 Index dramatically underscore the concerns of years past. According to preliminary estimates by The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Data Analysis (CDA):
1. Americans’ dependence on government grew by 13.6 percent in 2009.
2. The Index’s dependence variables that grew the most over that past year are:
• Health and Welfare at 22 percent,
• Rural and Agricultural Services at 20 percent, and
• Housing at 15 percent.
3. The increase over 2009 means that the Index has grown by 49 percent since 2001.
4. Americans’ dependence on the government was 14 times greater in 2009 than it was in 1962.
“The increase in the Index of Dependence on Government during 2009 is the greatest single-year percentage change since 1976. It covers data through the end of 2009, which was a momentous year across a wide horizon of public policies. Even seasoned Washington insiders, however, might be surprised to learn just how noteworthy that year was.”
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Working in the Nonprofit World
Women comprise a majority of the workers in nonprofits, and that is the subject of this article from Blue Avocado.
An excerpt.
“The facts are that women comprise 70-75% of nonprofit employees (Nonprofit Almanac 2007). The experience of Ed Seay of Help Network in Russellville, Arkansas, reflects this exactly: "You go to a United Way quarterly meeting," he remarked, "and there might be one other man in a room of 35 people." But this, as they say, is just the tip of the iceberg of what it's like for men who work in the female-majority nonprofit sector.
“Male and female stereotypes
“Readers' experiences show that gender stereotypes -- both pernicious and benign -- haven't gone away. There are stereotypes about men ("men who work in nonprofits are those who couldn't make it in the for-profit sector") and about women (women are good managers because they're nurturing rather than because they're strategic or rainmakers).
“Several men spoke about being looked down upon for their nonprofit jobs by men in the for-profit sector. "I often get 'The Look' from men I know," commented one man. "My male friends work in the for-profit sector, they don't understand the nonprofit sector. The Look is the facial expression of 'Oh, how good of you to work in a nonprofit.'"
“Another man said something similar: "In the for-profit sector I'm seen as a man who couldn't make it in the real world." Still another laughed: "The Look! At first it actually bothered me, my whole masculine identity being challenged." Then the nice guy in him couldn't help but add, "Then I saw it as an opportunity for education."
An excerpt.
“The facts are that women comprise 70-75% of nonprofit employees (Nonprofit Almanac 2007). The experience of Ed Seay of Help Network in Russellville, Arkansas, reflects this exactly: "You go to a United Way quarterly meeting," he remarked, "and there might be one other man in a room of 35 people." But this, as they say, is just the tip of the iceberg of what it's like for men who work in the female-majority nonprofit sector.
“Male and female stereotypes
“Readers' experiences show that gender stereotypes -- both pernicious and benign -- haven't gone away. There are stereotypes about men ("men who work in nonprofits are those who couldn't make it in the for-profit sector") and about women (women are good managers because they're nurturing rather than because they're strategic or rainmakers).
“Several men spoke about being looked down upon for their nonprofit jobs by men in the for-profit sector. "I often get 'The Look' from men I know," commented one man. "My male friends work in the for-profit sector, they don't understand the nonprofit sector. The Look is the facial expression of 'Oh, how good of you to work in a nonprofit.'"
“Another man said something similar: "In the for-profit sector I'm seen as a man who couldn't make it in the real world." Still another laughed: "The Look! At first it actually bothered me, my whole masculine identity being challenged." Then the nice guy in him couldn't help but add, "Then I saw it as an opportunity for education."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
USA Is Charitable
Which we already know, but how we rank globally is interesting, as this article from the Denver Post reports.
An excerpt.
“NEW YORK — Australia and New Zealand shared first place, and the United States tied for fifth, in a first-of-its- kind survey ranking 153 nations on the willingness of their citizens to donate time and money to charity. China ranked near the bottom, barely higher than last-place Madagascar.
“The report, released Wednesday by the British-based Charities Aid Foundation, showed striking variations in charitable behavior around the world.
“For example, it found that only 4 percent of Lithuanians gave money to charity, compared with 83 percent of people in Malta; 61 percent of people in Turkmenistan did volunteer work, compared with 2 percent of Cambodians.
“The overall rankings were a composite of three categories — the percentage of people who donated money, donated time and helped a stranger in the month before being surveyed.
“Australia and New Zealand topped the index with an average score of 57 percent, trailed by Canada and Ireland at 56 percent, and the United States and Switzerland at 55 percent.”
An excerpt.
“NEW YORK — Australia and New Zealand shared first place, and the United States tied for fifth, in a first-of-its- kind survey ranking 153 nations on the willingness of their citizens to donate time and money to charity. China ranked near the bottom, barely higher than last-place Madagascar.
“The report, released Wednesday by the British-based Charities Aid Foundation, showed striking variations in charitable behavior around the world.
“For example, it found that only 4 percent of Lithuanians gave money to charity, compared with 83 percent of people in Malta; 61 percent of people in Turkmenistan did volunteer work, compared with 2 percent of Cambodians.
“The overall rankings were a composite of three categories — the percentage of people who donated money, donated time and helped a stranger in the month before being surveyed.
“Australia and New Zealand topped the index with an average score of 57 percent, trailed by Canada and Ireland at 56 percent, and the United States and Switzerland at 55 percent.”
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Nonprofit Report
A new survey has come out from Guidestar, an important organization to become familiar with for the wonderful nonprofit data base they have built.
An excerpt from the announcement.
“Public charities and private foundations continued to take a beating during the first five months of 2010. Some 40 percent of participants in GuideStar's first nonprofit economic survey for 2010 reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier. Another 28 percent said that contributions had stayed about the same, and 30 percent stated contributions had increased.
"The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector: A June 2010 Survey" presents these results and more. Among the other findings:
• Eight percent of respondents indicated that their organizations was were in imminent danger of closing.
• In order to balance budgets, 17 percent of respondents reduced program services, and 11 percent laid off employees.
• More than 60 percent of participants reporting decreased contributions attributed the drop to a decline in both the number of individual donors and the size of their donations.
• Among organizations that use volunteers, 17 percent used one or more in what had formerly been paid positions.
• About a third (32 percent) of organizations increased their reliance on volunteers, whereas 9 percent experienced a decline.
An excerpt from the announcement.
“Public charities and private foundations continued to take a beating during the first five months of 2010. Some 40 percent of participants in GuideStar's first nonprofit economic survey for 2010 reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier. Another 28 percent said that contributions had stayed about the same, and 30 percent stated contributions had increased.
"The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector: A June 2010 Survey" presents these results and more. Among the other findings:
• Eight percent of respondents indicated that their organizations was were in imminent danger of closing.
• In order to balance budgets, 17 percent of respondents reduced program services, and 11 percent laid off employees.
• More than 60 percent of participants reporting decreased contributions attributed the drop to a decline in both the number of individual donors and the size of their donations.
• Among organizations that use volunteers, 17 percent used one or more in what had formerly been paid positions.
• About a third (32 percent) of organizations increased their reliance on volunteers, whereas 9 percent experienced a decline.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Corporate Giving Down
In what should be no surprise, given the great uncertainty felt by business at the vastly increased role government has assumed in their affairs and the anxiety around future moves, the amount corporations gave to charity dropped in 2009 and appears to be remaining flat in 2010, according to this article from USA Today.
An excerpt.
“Corporate profits are on the rebound, but most big businesses say it will be some time before they can give as much cash to charities as they did before the recession, according to a survey of the nation's largest companies by the Chronicle of Philanthropy and USA TODAY.
“More than 100 answered the survey, and the Chronicle analyzed tax data for a total of 162 companies.
“A majority of companies said they expect their charitable donations in 2010 to be about the same as in 2009 — a year in which cash giving fell by 7.5%. Of the 102 firms that answered the question, 73% predicted a flat 2010.
“While that would be bad news for charities, the reality could be even worse.
“Sixty-eight companies decreased their cash giving in 2009 to $3.9 billion, the first time since 2003 that cash contributions from businesses in The Chronicle's survey have dropped. Fifty-four percent of businesses gave less cash, 30% gave more, and 16% gave roughly the same. But donations of cash and products increased by nearly 5% last year, as companies sought to compensate for the decline in cash by offering other types of assistance.
"The whole economy has to burrow itself back up before a lot of corporations are going to have the money to invest as they did prior to the recession," says Woody Dicus, manager of corporate community relations at Progress Energy, in Raleigh, N.C.”
An excerpt.
“Corporate profits are on the rebound, but most big businesses say it will be some time before they can give as much cash to charities as they did before the recession, according to a survey of the nation's largest companies by the Chronicle of Philanthropy and USA TODAY.
“More than 100 answered the survey, and the Chronicle analyzed tax data for a total of 162 companies.
“A majority of companies said they expect their charitable donations in 2010 to be about the same as in 2009 — a year in which cash giving fell by 7.5%. Of the 102 firms that answered the question, 73% predicted a flat 2010.
“While that would be bad news for charities, the reality could be even worse.
“Sixty-eight companies decreased their cash giving in 2009 to $3.9 billion, the first time since 2003 that cash contributions from businesses in The Chronicle's survey have dropped. Fifty-four percent of businesses gave less cash, 30% gave more, and 16% gave roughly the same. But donations of cash and products increased by nearly 5% last year, as companies sought to compensate for the decline in cash by offering other types of assistance.
"The whole economy has to burrow itself back up before a lot of corporations are going to have the money to invest as they did prior to the recession," says Woody Dicus, manager of corporate community relations at Progress Energy, in Raleigh, N.C.”
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Online Donations are Increasing
While still a very small part of individual philanthropy, the practice is growing, as this report from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette notes.
An excerpt.
“Even if consumers aren't quite ready to abandon recessionary spending habits, they are opening their wallets a bit more for charities and more are tapping the Internet to make their contributions.
“Online gifts to nonprofits jumped 23 percent from March through May, compared with the same period of 2009, according to a new index that tracks donations. Total charitable contributions during that time -- including gifts made through traditional venues such as phone and mail -- increased 6.2 percent.
“The new report, The Blackbaud Index of Online Giving, looked at activity for nearly 1,800 nonprofits of various sizes that had combined annual online revenues of about $400 million.
“Blackbaud, a Charleston, S.C.-based consulting firm for nonprofits, launched the index for online giving because so-called "e-gifts" are the fastest-growing method of making donations, said Steve MacLaughlin, director of Internet solutions for Blackbaud.
“Giving online still makes up just a slice of total donations. Online revenue accounted for about 5.7 percent of overall fundraising revenue in the past year, the report said.
"We saw the growth and were interested in what percentage of total fundraising came from online," said Mr. MacLaughlin, who estimated more than $15 billion is raised in the U.S. online annually.”
An excerpt.
“Even if consumers aren't quite ready to abandon recessionary spending habits, they are opening their wallets a bit more for charities and more are tapping the Internet to make their contributions.
“Online gifts to nonprofits jumped 23 percent from March through May, compared with the same period of 2009, according to a new index that tracks donations. Total charitable contributions during that time -- including gifts made through traditional venues such as phone and mail -- increased 6.2 percent.
“The new report, The Blackbaud Index of Online Giving, looked at activity for nearly 1,800 nonprofits of various sizes that had combined annual online revenues of about $400 million.
“Blackbaud, a Charleston, S.C.-based consulting firm for nonprofits, launched the index for online giving because so-called "e-gifts" are the fastest-growing method of making donations, said Steve MacLaughlin, director of Internet solutions for Blackbaud.
“Giving online still makes up just a slice of total donations. Online revenue accounted for about 5.7 percent of overall fundraising revenue in the past year, the report said.
"We saw the growth and were interested in what percentage of total fundraising came from online," said Mr. MacLaughlin, who estimated more than $15 billion is raised in the U.S. online annually.”
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sacramento’s Volunteers
1) The Sacramento Business Journal reports that volunteering in Sacramento has increased, and that is very good news, though other areas of the country are still doing better.
An excerpt.
“More Sacramento-area residents volunteered and donated more hours to nonprofits last year since 2005, according to a closely watched report released Tuesday.
“Almost 415,000 residents in the region donated time to nonprofits last year, with the average person volunteering 40.1 hours per year — both are the highest rates since the 423,000 volunteers and 56.7 hours in 2005, the height of the boom market. However, a lower percentage of Sacramento-area residents volunteered last year, 25.8 percent compared to 28 percent in 2008 and 29.3 percent in 2005, the highest-ever percentage of participation.
“The average annual hours donated and the percentage of participation in the Sacramento region are higher than the statewide average, but pale compared to many other cities and states.”
2) The national volunteering picture is noted in the news release from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
An excerpt.
“Washington, DC – Despite difficult economic times, the number of Americans volunteering in their communities jumped by 1.6 million last year, the largest increase in six years, according to a report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
“The Corporation's annual Volunteering in America report found that 63.4 million Americans volunteered through a formal organization last year, giving more than 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth an estimated $169 billion.
“Americans have responded to tough economic times by volunteering in big numbers,” said Patrick Corvington, the Corporation's CEO. “What we're seeing is the depth of the American spirit and generosity at its best. People are turning toward problems, working with their neighbors to find solutions to real problems, from homelessness to the dropout crisis.”
“Previous research would suggest that volunteering should drop during an economic downturn, because volunteer rates are higher among job-holders and homeowners. Instead, volunteering increased at the fastest rate in six years, and the volunteer rate went up among all race and ethnic groups.”
An excerpt.
“More Sacramento-area residents volunteered and donated more hours to nonprofits last year since 2005, according to a closely watched report released Tuesday.
“Almost 415,000 residents in the region donated time to nonprofits last year, with the average person volunteering 40.1 hours per year — both are the highest rates since the 423,000 volunteers and 56.7 hours in 2005, the height of the boom market. However, a lower percentage of Sacramento-area residents volunteered last year, 25.8 percent compared to 28 percent in 2008 and 29.3 percent in 2005, the highest-ever percentage of participation.
“The average annual hours donated and the percentage of participation in the Sacramento region are higher than the statewide average, but pale compared to many other cities and states.”
2) The national volunteering picture is noted in the news release from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
An excerpt.
“Washington, DC – Despite difficult economic times, the number of Americans volunteering in their communities jumped by 1.6 million last year, the largest increase in six years, according to a report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
“The Corporation's annual Volunteering in America report found that 63.4 million Americans volunteered through a formal organization last year, giving more than 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth an estimated $169 billion.
“Americans have responded to tough economic times by volunteering in big numbers,” said Patrick Corvington, the Corporation's CEO. “What we're seeing is the depth of the American spirit and generosity at its best. People are turning toward problems, working with their neighbors to find solutions to real problems, from homelessness to the dropout crisis.”
“Previous research would suggest that volunteering should drop during an economic downturn, because volunteer rates are higher among job-holders and homeowners. Instead, volunteering increased at the fastest rate in six years, and the volunteer rate went up among all race and ethnic groups.”
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Philanthropy Down in 2009
Though it is expected to increase in 2010, the almost 5% drop last year is significant, but not nearly as bad as it could have been, given the horrible economy.
A news release from the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College notes the drop.
An excerpt.
"May, 2010 - Individual charitable giving in 2009 amounted to $217.3 billion, a decline of $11.2 billion or 4.9 percent from the estimated $228.5 billion total in 2008, according to the latest report by researchers at the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College and published by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This 5% decline is in addition to the 6 percent decline that the Center calculated in 2008.
"For 2010, the researchers project annualized individual giving totals (also known as household giving) will range between approximately $222 billion and $227 billion, an increase between 3 and 4.5 percent over the estimated total for 2009. The projected growth is based on analysis of the first two quarters according to scenarios that assume relatively low and high economic growth.
"The full report, will be published in the July/August 2010 issue of Advancing Philanthropy, the magazine of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The report's findings are based on estimates produced quarterly by the Individual Giving Model developed and housed at the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. It is the nation's first model designed to estimate future and real-time charitable giving by households on a quarterly basis."
A news release from the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College notes the drop.
An excerpt.
"May, 2010 - Individual charitable giving in 2009 amounted to $217.3 billion, a decline of $11.2 billion or 4.9 percent from the estimated $228.5 billion total in 2008, according to the latest report by researchers at the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College and published by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This 5% decline is in addition to the 6 percent decline that the Center calculated in 2008.
"For 2010, the researchers project annualized individual giving totals (also known as household giving) will range between approximately $222 billion and $227 billion, an increase between 3 and 4.5 percent over the estimated total for 2009. The projected growth is based on analysis of the first two quarters according to scenarios that assume relatively low and high economic growth.
"The full report, will be published in the July/August 2010 issue of Advancing Philanthropy, the magazine of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The report's findings are based on estimates produced quarterly by the Individual Giving Model developed and housed at the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. It is the nation's first model designed to estimate future and real-time charitable giving by households on a quarterly basis."
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Charitable Giving Prediction
Reuters says it is going up this year, and if so, that is very good news.
An excerpt.
“(Reuters) - Charitable giving by Americans fell about 5 percent last year to $217.3 billion, but is forecast to rebound by up to 4.5 percent in 2010, according to a new report released on Thursday.
U.S.
“The Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College said in its report that individual giving this year is expected to grow to between $222 billion and $227 billion as the United States emerges from its worst recession in decades.
"2010 may just turn out to be the beginning of good news for fundraisers and charities. But it may not be until 2011 that we see the amount of individual giving returning to its pre-recession 2007 purchasing power," said Paul Schervish, the center's director.
“In 2008, individual charitable giving fell about 6 percent from the year before to $228.5 billion, the report found.
“John Havens, a senior research associate at the center, said it would be some time before the decline in giving in 2009 and 2008 could be reversed.
"Charitable giving in the first two quarters of 2010 seems to be on an uptick. However, growth may not continue the rest of the year if the fiscal crisis in Europe brings a second recessionary dip to the United States," he said.”
An excerpt.
“(Reuters) - Charitable giving by Americans fell about 5 percent last year to $217.3 billion, but is forecast to rebound by up to 4.5 percent in 2010, according to a new report released on Thursday.
U.S.
“The Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College said in its report that individual giving this year is expected to grow to between $222 billion and $227 billion as the United States emerges from its worst recession in decades.
"2010 may just turn out to be the beginning of good news for fundraisers and charities. But it may not be until 2011 that we see the amount of individual giving returning to its pre-recession 2007 purchasing power," said Paul Schervish, the center's director.
“In 2008, individual charitable giving fell about 6 percent from the year before to $228.5 billion, the report found.
“John Havens, a senior research associate at the center, said it would be some time before the decline in giving in 2009 and 2008 could be reversed.
"Charitable giving in the first two quarters of 2010 seems to be on an uptick. However, growth may not continue the rest of the year if the fiscal crisis in Europe brings a second recessionary dip to the United States," he said.”
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Nonprofit Concentration Often Hurts Downtowns
The community discussion revealed in this story from the Maui News—while reflecting the situation in the Hawaiian town—also resonates with a Sacramento situation.
In Sacramento, it is accepted fact—by local business and residential communities—that the concentration of homeless and other social service nonprofits in the Richards Blvd/12th Street/North Sacramento vicinity has severely degraded the quality of life for businesses and residents in and around the area.
This negative impact extends to downtown where panhandling, loitering, and related crime have added to the long-term difficulty of renewing the lower K Street area.
Helping the less fortunate or those who have fallen on hard times is an important aspect of community and individual compassion and charity; but it is not something that should be at the expense of the public safety or economic viability of the larger community.
Helping another should not harm someone else.
An excerpt from the Maui News.
“WAILUKU - Even as the makeover of Wailuku town continues in a decades-long redevelopment project, some merchants and residents expressed concern Friday that a concentration of social services in the area could attract homelessness and crime.
“Wailuku either already is or will soon become home to a halfway house, housing for the developmentally disabled, a residential mental health care center, a free clinic, a battered women's shelter and a soup kitchen, said resident and commercial broker Susan Halas.
"I'm not advocating kicking any nonprofit out, not at all, but maybe we should consider that we are at a tipping point," Halas said when reached by phone Friday. "At some point, if you only have people there because they are receiving assistance, if nonprofits occupy a large percentage of your available space, then it becomes difficult for for-profits to come in."
“But Wailuku businessman Richard Dan said Market Street was in no way a new hotbed of crime.
“Dan agreed there is a problem with "annoying" drunks at the privately owned banyan tree park at the corner of Market and Vineyard streets but said that overall the complaints are overblown.
"They are trying to say there are junkies nodding off in the alleys, and that's not the truth," Dan said.
“The Maui Redevelopment Agency has adopted a plan for the 60-acre area calling for mixed use, such as buildings that combine residential, business, office and retail functions. But Executive Director of Wailuku Main Street Association, Jocelyn Perreira said the group still has a way to go toward its goal.
“Some residents and merchants blame the MRA - a recommending agency for redevelopment in Wailuku - for the influx of nonprofits to the area. Others say it's still too early to pass judgment on the effects of a master plan developed years ago.”
In Sacramento, it is accepted fact—by local business and residential communities—that the concentration of homeless and other social service nonprofits in the Richards Blvd/12th Street/North Sacramento vicinity has severely degraded the quality of life for businesses and residents in and around the area.
This negative impact extends to downtown where panhandling, loitering, and related crime have added to the long-term difficulty of renewing the lower K Street area.
Helping the less fortunate or those who have fallen on hard times is an important aspect of community and individual compassion and charity; but it is not something that should be at the expense of the public safety or economic viability of the larger community.
Helping another should not harm someone else.
An excerpt from the Maui News.
“WAILUKU - Even as the makeover of Wailuku town continues in a decades-long redevelopment project, some merchants and residents expressed concern Friday that a concentration of social services in the area could attract homelessness and crime.
“Wailuku either already is or will soon become home to a halfway house, housing for the developmentally disabled, a residential mental health care center, a free clinic, a battered women's shelter and a soup kitchen, said resident and commercial broker Susan Halas.
"I'm not advocating kicking any nonprofit out, not at all, but maybe we should consider that we are at a tipping point," Halas said when reached by phone Friday. "At some point, if you only have people there because they are receiving assistance, if nonprofits occupy a large percentage of your available space, then it becomes difficult for for-profits to come in."
“But Wailuku businessman Richard Dan said Market Street was in no way a new hotbed of crime.
“Dan agreed there is a problem with "annoying" drunks at the privately owned banyan tree park at the corner of Market and Vineyard streets but said that overall the complaints are overblown.
"They are trying to say there are junkies nodding off in the alleys, and that's not the truth," Dan said.
“The Maui Redevelopment Agency has adopted a plan for the 60-acre area calling for mixed use, such as buildings that combine residential, business, office and retail functions. But Executive Director of Wailuku Main Street Association, Jocelyn Perreira said the group still has a way to go toward its goal.
“Some residents and merchants blame the MRA - a recommending agency for redevelopment in Wailuku - for the influx of nonprofits to the area. Others say it's still too early to pass judgment on the effects of a master plan developed years ago.”
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