National Economic Survey Explores Economy's Impact on Christian Nonprofits

National Economic Survey Explores Economy's Impact on Christian Nonprofits

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) ( ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org) today released the insightful results of a national "Economic Outlook Survey" of Christian nonprofit organizations. The survey was conducted in April 2009 by J. David Schmidt and Associates, Wheaton, IL (wiseplanning.net) in partnership with CLA.

"The national survey that CLA released today provides insight into the impact that the current economy is having on nonprofit organizations, particularly faith- based nonprofits," said Frank Lofaro, CLA president and CEO. "For many Christian nonprofit organizations the economy has had a major impact. In fact, compared to one year ago, some 73 percent of nonprofits with investments said their portfolios and endowments are down, and some 51 percent said that reserves have diminished."

When given a list of 21 ways their organization had responded to the economic downturn, 52 percent had reduced travel, 44 percent had frozen raises and 43 percent had cut their overall budgets for the 2009 fiscal year. Some 48 percent of respondents said first quarter income was below plan for this year. "Building cash reserves" was noted as the best past decision made by most organizations.

The findings represent 250 responding organizations, out of the nearly 1,000 surveyed. The size of responding organizations, budgets and employees, varied significantly. Respondents represent a broad spectrum of Christian nonprofit organizations including camps and conference centers, denominational offices, mission and outreach agencies, publishers, professional service firms, social service organizations, associations, colleges/universities, Christian schools, broadcast ministries, and churches.

To read a free executive summary of this "Economic Outlook Survey" click here.

Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) is a national association representing more than 8,000 individuals, from 4,500 Christian nonprofit organizations nationwide. For more news and information, visit CLA's website, www.ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org.