Insights into NFP sustainability

Three insightful reports have been released recently that are recommended reading for those interested in helping to make the not-for-profit sector more sustainable. For funders, this continues to reinforce the importance of multi-year, untied grants, through partnership style arrangements.

The Centre for Social Impact (CSI’s) The State of the Social Economy Report 2025 explores the state of Australia’s social economy, focusing on key insights into funding, collaboration, impact measurement and policy challenges faced by not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations. This inaugural report is part of a three-year longitudinal study aimed at creating an evidence base to guide the development of Australia’s social economy. It investigates the challenges, opportunities and changing needs of these organisations.

A link to the report and associated You Tube webinar can be found here

Based on insights from 240 organisations nationwide, Australian Communities Foundation’s NFP Resilience Report reveals a pressing need for greater financial stability across the sector and explores potential solutions for long-term resilience. To secure a copy of the report, please complete the form on the ACF website that can be found here.

Thirdly, the Centre for Public Value at the University of Western Australia analysed seven large NFPs across Australia, providing case evidence of the financial pressures faced by service providers during the cost-of-living crisis and high inflation period and the implications for sustainability, funding policy and community wellbeing. Like the other two papers, the themes are remarkably similar. Access the UWA report here.