2026 Nonprofit Survey Highlights Financial Pressures, Resilience and Emerging Needs Across Greater Des Moines
Jul 13, 2026
The nonprofit sector continues to play an essential role in strengthening communities across Greater Des Moines. At the same time, organizations are navigating a complex environment shaped by financial pressure, changing donor engagement, workforce challenges and increasing community needs.
To better understand those realities, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines recently conducted its biennial nonprofit survey, gathering feedback from organizations across a wide range of mission areas, budget sizes and operational models.
The survey reflects perspectives from 148 nonprofit organizations working in arts and culture, education, health and mental health, housing and shelter, human services, community development, environmental initiatives, youth development and more. While the survey is not intended to be statistically representative of the entire sector, the responses provide valuable insight into the experiences and priorities shaping nonprofit work today.
Many nonprofits feel stable today - but vulnerable about the future
One of the clearest themes emerging from the survey is the tension between present-day stability and future uncertainty.
While many organizations described themselves as financially healthy or stable today, nearly half also expressed concern about long-term sustainability and vulnerability in the years ahead. Reserve levels remain uneven across the sector, and many nonprofits report operating with limited financial runway. When considering financial resilience, 24% of organizations report more than 12 months of reserves, 31% report having 7-12 months of reserves and 43% report less than 6 months of reserves.
At the same time, individual giving continues to play a significant role in nonprofit sustainability. Survey respondents identified individual donations as the most common primary revenue source, outpacing government funding, fees for service and corporate giving.
Taken together, the data suggests that financial sustainability depends on more than strong donor support alone. Organizations must also balance day-to-day operational pressures with intentional efforts to build reserves, diversify revenue sources and plan for the future.
The findings point to a sector that is resilient and adaptive, yet still navigating ongoing uncertainty tied to fundraising, staffing and changing community needs.
Fundraising and donor engagement remain top concerns
Nonprofits consistently identified fundraising and donor engagement as the most significant barriers to advancing their missions.
Organizations also cited challenges related to:
- Increasing visibility and public awareness
- Recruiting diverse board members
- Meeting growing client and community needs
These concerns mirror broader trends across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, where many organizations are balancing rising demand for services with evolving funding dynamics.
Despite those pressures, many respondents also described continued efforts to strengthen donor relationships, diversify revenue streams and build long-term sustainability.
Organizations continue investing in long-term capacity
The survey findings highlight the importance nonprofits place on long-term planning and organizational development.
Most respondents reported having a current strategic plan in place, reflecting clarity around mission, priorities and organizational direction. At the same time, fewer organizations reported having a succession or talent development plan.
This gap points to a shared challenge across the sector related to leadership continuity and workforce planning – an issue of growing relevance for nonprofit staff, boards and funders.
Nonprofit experiences vary widely across the sector
The survey findings reinforce that the nonprofit sector is not one-size-fits-all. Organizations across Greater Des Moines are navigating different realities depending on mission area, organizational size, funding model and community need. Organizations are not only responding to immediate needs but also working to strengthen their ability to serve communities well into the future.
Some nonprofits reported growth, staffing expansion and increased investment in training and operations. Others described holding steady or making adjustments in response to financial pressures and changing conditions. Many reported no major operational changes in the past year, reflecting a sector balancing both momentum and uncertainty.
These varied experiences highlight both the resilience of the sector and the challenges organizations face as they adapt to changing conditions. They also underscore the importance of flexible, responsive approaches to nonprofit support and capacity building.
Listening to and learning from the sector
As a community convener and philanthropic partner, the Community Foundation uses the biennial nonprofit survey to better understand the evolving realities nonprofits are facing and identify opportunities to support organizations across the region.
The findings help inform conversations, partnerships and investments designed to strengthen nonprofit capacity and support thriving communities throughout Greater Des Moines.
More importantly, the survey reflects the insight, resilience and leadership nonprofit organizations bring to our community every day.
As nonprofits continue navigating both opportunities and challenges, the Community Foundation remains committed to listening, learning and working alongside partners across the sector to support strong, connected and sustainable communities.
"Every meeting I have had has been incredibly supportive. As the CEO of an organization and the only full-time employee, I wear many hats. The Community Foundation staff have been invaluable partners, providing resources, offering thoughtful recommendations and creating meaningful opportunities for nonprofit support and connection."
- Patty Sneddon-Kisting, Urbandale Food Pantry
"The Community Foundation, true to its purpose, is helping me connect with organizations and individuals who align with the mission and vision of Ballet Des Moines."
- Todd Rhoades, Ballet Des Moines
"The issues nonprofits are facing in today's environment are difficult and there is no easy answer. I appreciate the Community Foundation for providing opportunities to convene with peers."
- Sherri Nielson, Easterseals
Nonprofit Survey Results