Non-profit financial sustainability

Abstract

This research investigates how non-profit organizations achieve financially sustainability. Financial sustainability is defined here as the mix of revenue and expense management strategies that enable an organization to pursue its mission and mandate over the long term. The research closely examines five different community-based, non-profit organizations operating in Canada. It involves a review of their sources of revenue, the way they manage their expenses, and the beliefs, actions and decision-making practices that underlie their abilities to sustain the pursuit of their mission with vigor and determination. Themes prevalent within the literature as contributing to financial sustainability include: sound financial practices, active fund development, strategic planning and thinking, and the capacity to innovate. The title of this research is: "Non-Profit Financial Sustainability."