Though operating budgets continue to increase across the field – the median increase among Columbus Survey participants was 5.7 percent over FY18 levels – there was a slight decrease in the number of respondents who reported operating expenses in excess of revenues for the second consecutive year – 24 percent, down from 26 percent in FY18. Gaps between revenues and expenses are typically covered by unrestricted funds, though this has an effect on the flexibility of a community foundation’s business model, including their ability to invest in foundation-operated initiatives and leadership.

Calculated as revenues divided by expenses: Significant surplus >125%; Modest surplus = 105%-124%; Breakeven = 95%-104%; Modest subsidy = 75%-94%; Significant subsidy <75% (n=209)