Just over one quarter of all annual survey participants reported any level of operating deficit in 2020 - which is unchanged from the year prior. For these community foundations, and more generally, operating deficits are covered by unrestricted funds, which limits their flexibility to invest in foundation-operated initiatives and community 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=168)

Significant subsidy Modest subsidy Breakeven Modest surplus Significant surplus
6% 12% 23% 41% 18%