About the research
A five-state effort to understand the capacity of nonprofits in the Northwest produced two studies to date: the comprehensive 2024 Survey of Capacity and the 2026 Deep Dive into evaluation capacity.
The 2024 Survey of Capacity was conducted to provide a scan of nonprofits throughout the 5-state region, providing a snapshot of relative strength in 10 core capacities.
The 2026 Deep Dive was a qualitative study to explore the dynamics of the lowest rated capacity for 4 of the 5 participating states: evaluating impact
Why
Charitable nonprofits represent the best traits of the people of the Northwest states — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Nonprofits keep our communities vibrant and healthy. They create and magnify public benefits, catalyze opportunities to participate in civic affairs, and enrich cultural life.
Nonprofits are a powerful network of organizations and change agents creating positive systemic change. They provide much-needed services, address inequities, and create innovative solutions to community issues. Nonprofits also generate significant economic impact in our states and communities.
Because the nonprofit sector is vital to the flourishing of communities throughout the Northwest, the capacity of nonprofits is critical.
Who's involved
The Foraker Group
Guided by the shared leadership of the five state nonprofit associations, in conjunction with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Dialogues In Action.Idaho Nonprofit Center
Montana Nonprofit Association
Nonprofit Association of Oregon
Nonprofit Association of Washington
Research Partner - designed and analyzed the survey and interviews.
Funder
Study 1 • 2024How: the 2024 Five-State Capacity Survey
Designed Spring 2024; administered by the five associations, their partners, and the Trust. Scaled and open-ended items; six indicators for each of ten capacity domains.
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Mission
People
Governance
Culture
Strategy
Resource
Evaluation
Operations
Engagement
Partnership
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967 responses;
62% executive directors;
budgets from under $100K to $20M+;
early, developing and advanced-stage organizations;
sectors from arts to human services.
Study 2 • 2026How: the 2026 Evaluation Impact studies
Interviews with nonprofit leaders in each state, late 2025–early 2026, conducted by each state association with Dialogues In Action. Interviews recorded, transcribed, analyzed for themes; identifying details removed.
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evaluation practice
culture of learning
program adaptation
listening to diverse voices
making the case
vision for the future
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110+ nonprofit leaders sampled for representation across nonprofit size, subsector, region, and type ofcommunity served.
Questions about the research?
Contact Dialogues In Action | www.dialoguesinaction.com