Research Findings
Seven financial archetypes, each with different survival patterns
Analysis of 100+ Colorado Springs nonprofits reveals that success follows different rules for different business models.
Key Findings
What the data reveals about nonprofit financial health
Consistent revenue predicts organizational health 7x more powerfully than revenue diversity.
When measured by a "universal best practices scorecard," 65% of the local nonprofit sector was designated financially stressed.
Nearly two out of five nonprofits fail basic survivability thresholds.
Capital-intensive organizations show the highest stress rate despite holding substantial unrestricted reserves and property. Resources alone do not prevent stress.
Archetype is not destiny. It is context. Every archetype has thriving, striving, and stressed organizations. Success depends on understanding and navigating archetype-specific vulnerabilities rather than which category you belong to.
I completely feel like this addresses the challenges of every nonprofit organization and fundraising/leadership employee. You address actual problems, and I found it relieving to actually read what you had to say and relate it to what I was feeling for the many years I spent in development/fundraising. You spoke to me!
— Stacy P.
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Select an archetype to explore its characteristics, performance patterns, and what distinguishes thrivers from those who struggle.
Tale of the Tape
Select two archetypes to compare their financial benchmarks side by side
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