Cerini & Associates, LLP, a full-service accounting firm located in Suffolk County, partnered with C&B Consulting Group, Inc., Long Island Business News, Campolo, Middleton & Associates, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Long Island Chapter, to conduct the Sixth Annual Long Island Not-For-Profit Survey.  The Survey was designed to provide not-for-profits and those that fund the sector (government, corporations, and individuals) some insight into the challenges faced by Long Island not-for-profits.

This year, the Survey received 124 responses, its lowest level in six years.  “Unfortunately, at a time where the voice of the sector needs to be heard, too many agencies remained silent, opting not to speak for the people who need their help the most,” said Ken Cerini, Managing Partner of Cerini & Associates, LLP.  “Even so, the survey results clearly show the challenges the nonprofit sector is facing, and the tremendous need that currently exists for us all to come together to support a sector that is such a vital component of the Long Island landscape.  Every one of us is touched in some way by the sector, and it is important for all of us, in this tremendous time of need, to give back to the many faces helped by the nonprofit sector, be they human services, religion, arts and culture, youth, animals, the environment, or whatever cause pulls on the strings of your humanity.”

While the Sixth Annual Long Island Not-for-Profit Survey will not provide organizations with the critical discretionary funding they so desperately need, it will provide not-for-profit management, board members, and other interested parties with some insight into the challenges and opportunities that the not-for-profit sector is facing.  Unfortunately, the survey responses mirror the difficulties the sector is experiencing, with approximately 5% of the survey respondents considering closing down, another 10% in merger discussions, with an additional 15% contemplating merger in the future.  The demand for services continues to outpace the sector’s ability to provide services, and the ability for the sector to increase staffing or at least reward its staff for additional work has been greatly diminished, with the majority of staff not projected to receive a raise during 2010.

The redesigned Survey includes a table of contents along with color-coded sections while providing a significant level of information for benchmarking your agency.  If you would like a copy of the Survey, copies can be requested via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

For more information on the 2009 Long Island Not-For-Profit Survey, please contact Theresa Weston  at (631) 582-1600, ext. 216.