2024 CEO Pulse Survey
November 4, 2024
Written by: Molly Brennan and Lindsay Gordon
Prepared by: Alyssa Barnes and Jessica McIlhenny
Introduction
Koya Partners | DSG Global conducted a 2024 mid-year pulse survey of 230 leaders in the nonprofit and social impact sector. Our goal was to gain deeper insight into the realities leaders are currently facing and how we can strategically support them through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.
The survey results revealed that our industry leaders are facing complex, but not unique challenges. There was notable alignment around key areas reflecting common themes from diverse organizations nationwide.
1. Leadership Outlook and Energy Levels
When asked about their outlook for the remainder of 2024, respondents indicated a generally neutral to slightly optimistic view, averaging a score of 65 out of 100. Additionally, their current energy levels averaged 55 on a scale from 0 (very low) to 100 (very high), suggesting moderate engagement.
| Which best characterizes the outlook for your organization for the rest of 2024? |
This question was based on a scale from pessimistic (0) to neutral (50) to optimistic (100).
| How would you rate your energy level as a leader right now? |
This question was based on a scale from very low (0) to very high (100).
2. Board and Team Engagement
Regarding engagement, nonprofit leaders reported that their Boards of Directors are moderately engaged right now, and their teams are closer to highly engaged.
| How engaged is your team and Board of Directors right now? |
This question was based on a scale from disengaged (0) to moderately engaged (50) to highly engaged (100).
3. Top Organizational Concerns
When asked about the top five things they are worried about right now, there was significant alignment in survey responses. Leaders placed fundraising far and above at the top of the list, followed by financial planning/budgeting, marketing and brand awareness, strategy alignment, and Board management and development. It is clear (and unsurprising) that the ability to deepen impact through additional resources is at the forefront of nearly every leader’s mind. This may be a particularly acute concern during a hotly contested election year that will undoubtedly impact funding.
| What are your biggest organizational concerns? |
4. Board Support
When asked if their Boards provide the necessary resources, support, and guidance. 53% of leaders responded that they only sometimes feel adequately supported. It’s challenging to fulfill the mission of any organization without an engaged and strategic Board — a talented, passionate CEO can’t do it all alone. This lack of Board engagement is clearly a sector-wide issue that must be addressed.
| Would you say your Board provides the resources, support, and guidance you need to be effective in your role? |
5. Resources Nonprofit Leaders Need Most
We asked nonprofit leaders what resources and supports would be most helpful in their roles, and the responses reflected earlier themes — fundraising assistance and more engaged Boards were common responses. But the most common response to this question was interesting: An overwhelming number of leaders expressed a need for more peer-to-peer networking and relationship building. As nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors often navigate their roles in isolation, fostering connections with peers is crucial for shared learning and support.
| What additional support or resources would most help you in your role? |
When asked about compensation structure, nearly 70% of respondents indicated they do not have access to performance bonuses. This could be an interesting area for Boards to explore as an additional incentive to attract, retain, and motivate leadership talent.
| Do you have a performance bonus structure? |
Almost 60% of the respondents reported using an executive coach. Among those who engaged with an executive coach, the majority found the experience to be moderately to extremely valuable.
| Have you engaged an executive coach? |
| If yes, how would you rate the impact of the experience? |
This question was based on a scale from extremely helpful (0) to not helpful at all (100)
What Will the Rest of 2024 Bring?
A lot of strategic planning and some growth, based on these survey results. 66% of respondents said they are planning to engage in strategic planning before the end of the year. Almost half, 46%, are planning on hiring and growing their teams, and 48% are planning on expanding programs. However, it’s not all growth. More than 20% of leaders said they anticipate budget cuts before the end of the year as well.
| In the calendar year 2024, which of the following are you currently planning or anticipating? |
Overview of Survey Participants’ Demographics & Statistics
The following is an overview of the demographic and other key information volunteered by the survey participants. This data provides insights into the composition of nonprofit and social impact leaders who took part in the 2024 CEO Pulse Survey, including factors such as gender, race, and tenure in leadership roles.
| I am – gender of respondents? |
| I identify as – race of respondents? |
| I identify as – sexual orientation of respondents? |
| How long have you been in your role? |
| Select the range that represents your current base salary |
Acknowledgments
We extend our sincere gratitude to the 230 nonprofit and social impact leaders who participated in this Survey. Your thoughtful responses provided key insights that have shaped this summary, offering a clear view of the challenges and priorities in today’s nonprofit leadership landscape.