Return on investment (ROI) is a business ratio derived by dividing return by investment. However, this concept is becoming increasingly relevant to the nonprofit sector. With private donations to charities shrinking and requests for help from people in need growing, leverage, impact and ROI are more important than ever. Measuring ROI helps nonprofits assess their effectiveness and efficiency and demonstrate that they are returning value to the community. In a competitive economy, a strong ROI can help nonprofits communicate their worth and attract additional capital.

 

To encourage local nonprofits to undertake this type of self-measurement and to reward those who already excel in this area, The Community Foundation presents an annual award to a local non-profit that has demonstrated an outstanding return on investment.  Follow this link to download the application: /resource/resmgr/2010_roi_application.docx.  The application deadline is March 15, 2010.