CCVO 2012 Alberta Nonprofit Survey

More than one in four organizations in Alberta expect turnover in their CEO or ED position within the next two years.

CALGARY, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - More than a quarter of nonprofits and charities expect turnover in their CEO or Executive Director position within the next two years, according to the findings from the 2012 Alberta Nonprofit Survey conducted by The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO). These figures are likely understated as not all respondents would be certain of vacating their positions within two years or feel comfortable stating so. "The anticipated turnover at the senior executive level is another indicator there is a fair amount of change ahead for Alberta's nonprofit sector," says Katherine van Kooy, President and CEO of CCVO.

Other findings include:

• Continued improvement in revenues for nonprofits and charities since the peak of the recession in 2009, with the exception of arts and culture organizations, which have not seen their funding rebound to the same extent as other organizations.
• Concerns about the implications of revenues that, while generally increasing, are still not keeping pace with increases in demand for services and overall costs.
• 31% of nonprofit organizations in Alberta currently operate a social enterprise (the common term for business ventures operated by nonprofits).
• 60% have operated a social enterprise for more than 10 years, and 56% of these generate surplus revenue that is directed to other aspects of their organization's work.

Nonprofits and charities in Alberta have operated businesses and entrepreneurial activities as a way of generating income for decades. "There has been a lot of expectation around the potential for social enterprise to fill gaps in funding. It will be important to track the extent to which this is actually taking place," according to Geoff Braun, CCVO's Director, Policy and Research.

About the Survey
The CCVO Alberta Nonprofit Survey takes an annual snapshot of the health and experience of Alberta's nonprofits and charities. These surveys have captured information on the financial health, demand for services, staffing, and future economic outlook of nonprofit organizations since 2009. This year's survey received over 500 responses from across the province and all parts of the nonprofit sector, and included additional questions on social enterprise and anticipated CEO or ED turnover.

This series of surveys is the only source of Alberta-specific research that documents the ongoing experiences of Alberta's nonprofits and charities. Results of past surveys have contributed to a deeper understanding of sector trends, providing essential information to nonprofit leaders, boards, governments, funders and community stakeholders.

About CCVO
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) promotes and strengthens the nonprofit and voluntary sector by developing and sharing resources and knowledge, building connections, leading collaborative work, and giving voice to critical issues affecting the sector.

For more information about the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, visit www.calgarycvo.org.

SOURCE: The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations

For further information:

Media Contact:        
Geoff Braun
Director, Policy and Research
Phone [phone] ext. 222
Email: [e-mail]
Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations