BROOKLINE, MA--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts are forging creative responses to a changing operating environment that is characterized by higher demand for services and, in many cases, shrinking financial resources.
According to Peter Lowy, publisher of massnonprofit.org, the leading independent news website on Massachusetts nonprofits, "Nonprofits have responded to the recent recession and its aftermath in many ways. Some have merged while others are sharing back-office operations or joining forces to offer programs.
"Many are increasing their use of the web and social media to build and maintain important relationships and raise funds."
He made his comments in connection with the fifth anniversary of massnonprofit.org, which has become must-reading for many people involved with the nonprofit sector in Massachusetts.
Despite the economic stresses of the last few years, many nonprofits are prospering. According to recent polls conducted by massnonprofit.org:
- Nearly 60% of respondents said their Massachusetts nonprofit was better off financially at the end of 2010, compared to the year before.
- Nearly 20% reported that their organization increased the size of its staff last year.
- More than half are actively collaborating with other nonprofits.
"The nonprofit sector, which employs about one out of every seven workers in the state, is actively preparing for the future, which will benefit everyone living in Massachusetts," said Lowy.
He added, "It's likely that nonprofits will experience even more change and upheaval in the next five years. They'll need to keep informed and share ideas in order to thrive, and we intend to continue to help them prosper."
Massachusetts nonprofits pump more than $50 billion into the state's economy annually, according to the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth.
About massnonprofit.org
Founded in 2006, massnonprofit.org (www.massnonprofit.org) is the premier independent website that provides news about the nonprofit sector in Massachusetts. In addition to current news, massnonprofit.org provides a free subscription to its Wednesday Report, a summary of current information emailed weekly.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Peter Lowy
massnonprofit.org
Tel: 617-734-9980