Recessions are no fun for nonprofits. Corporate givings tumble, people donate less, and foundations cut down grants. Some of the hardest-hit organisations in this economy have also been the most deserving of support.

But nonprofits, according to Michael Seltzer from PhilanTopic, are “survivors“. Nonprofits have traditionally faced much more capital constraints and their for-profit counterparts, and therefore can better adopt themselves to budget cuts. There is also the silverlining. A difficult environment brings forth creative approaches, such as new ways to fundraise, new incentive to improve capital efficiency, new opportunities to recruit senior leaders, etc.

Dawn Jordan, a former operations vice president at Bank of America, is embarking on a journey to found her own non-profit after being laid off in 2008. According to her there has never been a better time: people are more willing to volunteer , especially professionals who have been temporarily laid off; the recent financial crisis has also left ppeople more aware of social responsibly and sustainable business practices.

Historically, tough economic environment has drive innovation, as demonstrated by creative fundraising solutions during the economic downturn of the 1980s and White House’s new Social Innovation Fund.

It may be a tough time, however with sevearl succesful fundraising events, two schools and expanding partnerships, PoP is having the best time ever. We are optimistic about future – a donation to PoP is an investment in a better future.