New Report Reveals How Proactive Organizations Thrive Amid Uncertainty

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The Blackbaud Institute, a research lab at Blackbaud, a provider of software for powering social impact, released a new report, "Risk Readiness: A Report on Leading with Confidence in Uncertain Times." Drawing from a national survey of 549 social impact professionals, the findings reveal that organizations that embrace proactive strategies and cultivate a culture of innovation are not only weathering uncertainty but emerging stronger and more resilient.

While many social impact organizations are feeling uncertain about the next three years, the report identifies the strategic tactics that set confident organizations apart. The 2025 Risk Readiness Report takes a comprehensive look at the 13 most pressing risks facing the social impact sector and provides actionable insights to help leaders proactively address these challenges.

"Risk is universal, but readiness isn't," Todd Lant, chief customer officer at Blackbaud, said. "This research shows that proactive organizations who adopt a risk-ready mindset, prioritize innovation, and invest in tech and talent, are confidently navigating change — and achieving success. What's more, the data clearly demonstrates that these tactics aren't exclusive to large organizations or those with endless resources. Confident and prepared organizations come in all sizes."

Key Findings from the Report

• Three Distinct Readiness Segments Emerge: Based on cumulative readiness scores, organizations fall into three categories: Reactive (23%), Responsive (48%) and Proactive (29%), with proactive organizations showing lower concern coupled with higher preparedness across all 13 risk areas.
• Government Policy and Revenue Are Top Concerns: Overall, government policy changes and revenue are top concerns. While only 30% of professionals feel prepared for these challenges, they share a proactive mindset and a focus on the future. They are more likely to have recently updated their strategic plans, be engaging their boards, setting clear fundraising goals, focusing on their technology strategy and hiring to get the right people in the right seats.
• Technology Sets Proactive Professionals Apart: Technology is a predictive factor in whether an organization is reactive or proactive toward risk overall: The least prepared professionals worry more about efficient use of their tech platforms, data security and tech training, and they are less likely to have a cybersecurity policy. Meanwhile, proactive organizations are significantly more likely to have upgraded their technology, integrated multiple tech solutions and implemented technology continuity plans.
• Staff Continuity Remains Key: Staff burnout tops organization-related challenges, yet less than a quarter of organizations surveyed had a staff continuity plan. proactive organizations are investing in talent, updating employee benefits, and improving internal communications to ensure resiliency.
• Readiness Isn't Determined by Resources: Organization size or budget doesn't dictate readiness. Among proactive organizations, 57% had fewer than 100 employees, and less than half (37%) reported annual revenue over $11 million, proving that strategic mindset matters more than resources.

The report features a readiness assessment tool that allows readers to evaluate their own organization's preparedness and receive personalized action steps for building resilience. This offers a risk barometer for social impact organizations, backed by data from leaders across the sector.

For more information, the full Risk Readiness report can be accessed here.

Source: The Blackbaud Institute

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.