Insights from the 2024 Nonprofit Pulse Survey
December 10, 2024 | Elizabeth Voudouris, President & CEO
This year, BVU launched our Nonprofit Pulse — a monthly one-question survey of ~500 local nonprofit executives — to better understand and address current needs of the nonprofit sector. The survey results highlight several key trends:
- Critical Role of Volunteers, But Insufficient Numbers – Nonprofits overwhelmingly depend on volunteers (90%), yet only 38% feel they have enough to meet their mission needs, underscoring a growing volunteer gap.
- Leadership Stability with Room for Succession Planning – While most nonprofit leaders (51%) do not plan to leave their roles in the near future, fewer than half (46%) have succession plans in place, indicating a potential vulnerability in leadership continuity.
- Optimism About Technology and Innovation – Nonprofits are increasingly leveraging technology (58%) and show significant interest in AI, with 73% expecting it to boost operational efficiency.
- Strong Board Engagement – A majority (76%) rate their boards as effective, reflecting solid governance practices across many organizations.
- Commitment to Leadership & Employee Development – Professional development is a priority, with 93% showing an interest in CEO peer advisory & coaching circles, and 88% of nonprofits investing in training for all employees, supporting workforce growth and retention.
- Strategic Planning as a Guidepost – Most organizations (88%) rely on their strategic plans to drive decision-making and resource allocation, signaling a sector-wide emphasis on intentionality and focus.
These trends suggest a nonprofit sector that is resourceful, forward-looking, and committed to strengthening internal capacity, even as it grapples with challenges like volunteer shortages and succession planning. As nonprofit chief executives, we often face unique challenges that can feel isolating. But as Sara Elaqad, Executive Director of Minds Matter Cleveland, recently shared, “The results corroborate my own experience. We rely heavily on volunteers, and only 38% of CEOs responded that they have sufficient volunteers. We are not alone.”
Lonely sometimes — but not alone. BVU is here to identify trends, highlight shared experiences, and provide resources to help address sector-wide challenges. We connect 100 local businesses and thousands of volunteers eager to engage meaningfully with nonprofits like yours. We also offer education and consulting services tailored to emerging needs.
Please let me know how BVU can support your mission. And as we plan for the 2025 Nonprofit Pulse Survey, we’d love to hear what additional questions you think we should be asking nonprofit leaders.
Together, we can strengthen our sector and continue to make a lasting impact.
Happy holidays from BVU to you!