The Blackbaud Institute released a new report Risk Readiness: A Report on Leading with Confidence in Uncertain Times. The report found that organizations fall into three categories: Reactive (23%), Responsive (48%), and Proactive (29%), with proactive organizations showing lower concern coupled with higher preparedness across all 13 risk areas.

Overall, government policy changes and revenue are top concerns. While 30% of professionals feel prepared for these challenges, they share a proactive mindset and a focus on the future. They are more likely to have recently updated their strategic plans, engaging their boards, setting clear fundraising goals, focusing on their technology strategy, and hiring to get the right people in the right seats.

Technology is a predictive factor in whether an organization is Reactive or Proactive toward risk overall: the least prepared professionals worry more about efficient use of their tech platforms, data security and tech training, and they are less likely to have a cybersecurity policy. Meanwhile, Proactive organizations are significantly more likely to have upgraded their technology, integrated multiple tech solutions, and implemented technology continuity plans.

Staff burnout tops organization-related challenges, yet less than a quarter of organizations surveyed had a staff continuity plan. Proactive organizations are investing in talent, updating employee benefits, and improving internal communications to ensure resiliency.

Organization size or budget doesn't dictate readiness. Among proactive organizations, 57% had fewer than 100 employees and less than half (37%) reported annual revenue over $11 million, proving that strategic mindset matters more than resources.

Read the report