Non-profit vulnerability: An exploratory study

This mixed-method study explores the symptoms and potential causes of non-profit vulnerability within the Australian context. Following two focus groups with CEOs and Chairs of non-profit organizations, an online survey was developed, pilot tested and distributed to non-profit CEOs. Our findings suggest three symptoms that might be particularly useful in identifying non-profit vulnerability: a substantial increase in unit costs/delivery hours; a substantial increase in the proportion of administration to program expenses; and a reduced ability to pursue the organization's mission. The results also suggest various potential causes of non-profit vulnerability; in particular, Board inadequacies; External environmental threats; Project management issues; and Funding constraints.