Infographic: Fundraising Doesn't Keep Pace With Nonprofit Growth

According to "The Nonprofit Almanac 2012" by the Urban Institute, the nonprofit sector continues to grow. However, as a Chronicle of Philanthropy infographic points out, fundraising growth is not keeping pace. In fact, the nonprofit work force increased by 17 percent while the number of registered nonprofits increased by 46.5 percent from 2000-2010, yet charitable giving has declined as a percentage of the national income during the same period.

What does that mean for fundraisers? It means your job is even tougher, with more charities out there asking donors for support while there is a smaller percentage of dollars being donated. That makes it more vital than ever for your organization to stand out from the pack and provide donors with truly relevant, timely communications. Fundraising isn't getting any easier, so fundraisers have to continue to get better and more efficient in this evolving charitable landscape.

Check out the Chronicle of Philanthropy infographic at right. Here are a few more highlights from the almanac:

• There about 2.3 million nonprofits in the U.S., 1.6 million registered with the IRS as of 2012.
• There is about one nonprofit for every 175 Americans.
• The nonprofit sector grew faster than business or government from 2000-2010.
• More than 62.8 million Americans volunteered in 2010.
• Volunteer labor was valued at $283.84 billion in 2010.
• Gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and bequests was about $290.89 billion in 2010.

You can download the Urban Institute report here.