Voices From the Milwaukee Area Nonprofit Sector
When the economic recession hit in 2008, the Donors Forum of Wisconsin convened its membership to discuss how grantmakers were being affected by the economic crisis and the broader implications for the social sector. Based on the outcome of these meetings, Donors Forum of Wisconsin designed and facilitated a series of listening sessions in March 2009 for funders and nonprofit leaders to share strategies and concerns regarding how to ensure that resources and services are available to meet community needs.

Adapting to Change: 22 Structural Strategies for Nonprofits
Fieldstone Alliance prepared this helpful chart with tips to help nonprofits adapt to change, including modifying organizational missions, structures, and culture.

Nonprofit Finance Fund Releases Economic Impact Survey
The Nonprofit Finance Fund has released the results of a survey of 986 nonprofit leaders capturing the financial state and challenges being faced by these organizations due to the economic downturn. The respondents represent nonprofits from across the country that vary in size and focus. The complete findings of the survey [pdf] are available for download.

Nonprofit M&A: More Than a Tool for Tough Times
According to this new report one in five nonprofit executive directors are considering a merger as a way to survive the economic recession. Relatively few nonprofits are using mergers & acquisitions strategically, rather than as a default option for financial distress or leadership vacancies. The Bridgespan Group examines how mergers & acquisitions can be used as a tool for strengthening effectiveness, expanding reach, and more.

Nonprofit Strategies for Tough Times: Economic Stimulus Act FAQ
The Foundation Center's blog PhilanTopic features an FAQ area with several national resources from Michael Seltzer, a regular contributor to PhilanTopic.

Financial Safety Net of Nonprofit Organizations is Fraying, Survey Finds
The New York Times article on national nonprofit survey of 900 organizations reports on the fiscal sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

Focus on Economic Outlook: What Will 2009 Bring? New Year Won't Ring in Good Economic News for Most
The Business Journal of Milwaukee reports on the economic outlook for Wisconsin as reported from the Business Journal staff after interviewing local business officials in the varying sectors of construction, education, finance, health care, housing, manufacturing and retail.

Milwaukee-area Nonprofits Brace for Lean Times Ahead
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on Milwaukee's economic landscape as it relates to grantmakers and nonprofits.

Charities Fear Fallout from Economic Crisis
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on nonprofits in Milwaukee's response to the economy, highlighting the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's "2008 Report Card on Charitable Giving" (available on the DFW website).

The Nonprofit's Guide to Surviving a Downturn
The New York Times VOICE OF EXPERIENCE Reynold Levy details how to raise funds in hard times.

Prospecting: News and Tips for Fund Raising
New online resource, Economic Vitality Center created by the National Council of Nonprofits to help charities survive in the tough economy.

How Charities Cope with a Troubled Economy
The financial crisis embroiling the United States has many charities worried about how to manage their finances, raise money, and keep up with growing demand for services. To help readers navigate the challenges, The Chronicle of Philanthropy has compiled recent stories, live discussions, and statistics about how charities deal with turbulent times.

Be Proactive in Times of Crisis
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center developed tips from their report Vital Signs - Anticipating, Preventing and Surviving A Crisis in a Nonprofit.

A to Z Survival Guide for Uncertain Times
Michael Seltzer, a regular contributor to PhilanTopic, hs compiled his past writings and strategy recommendations learned from grantees, clients, and fellow consultants into a survival guide.

Charity Leaders Offer Tips for Tough Economy, Holiday Season
CNN talked with the leaders of six charitable organizations to see what they're doing to address the tough economic times and what everyday folks can do to make a difference, even without spending a dime.

Nonprofits Told to Stand Up, Not Stand Back
Philanthropy Journal article encourages nonprofits to be very focused on standing out instead of standing back and getting lost in a sea of 1.5 million nonprofits.