News Updates Survey: Nonprofits Have Web Sites But No Plan Some 92% of nonprofits polled in a new survey have a Web site, yet only 24% have a written online strategy. The record with a written technology plan is only slightly better at 28%. Blackbaud, the Charleston, S.C.-based software maker, asked 1,319 nonprofit managers questions in four areas -- human resources/staffing, funding, strategy and technology. The survey was done online, so that bias must be considered when examining the numbers, and makes the lack of a written technology plan an even more interesting statistic. Exactly three quarters (75%) of respondents indicated an increase in demand for the services the organization provides. And, 96% of respondents expect to either maintain or add to executive/management staffing levels this year. Budgets are increasing at the nonprofit respondents. Some 59% reported increases year-over-year, with 83% reporting that individual donors either increased their gifts or at least stayed at the same level. And, 77% of nonprofits managers would choose to increase major gifts if they had the additional resources to invest. With an increase in demand, however, come continued challenges. Roughly two-thirds (68%) reported that raising money to fund services was a top management concern. Participants also ranked expanding these services and developing effective boards to lead their organizations as critical needs. The vast majority (80%) of respondent believed that their board members are committed to helping to provide a strategic direction for the organization. Yet, only 52% believe the board is effective in leading and managing the organization. When it comes to technology, 51% have employees who either are working remotely or are planning to have such workers. Some 78% have ort are working on a technology budget, but only 57% have or are working on a technology training budget. For a detailed report on the results, go to www.blackbaud.com/npsurvey
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