Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) – A new report shows nonprofit organizations in Ottawa County are growing stronger—but also feeling the strain.
The Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance released its 2025 Community Assessment following its annual conference in February. The study found nonprofits are improving in areas like strategy, data use, and overall effectiveness. But at the same time, many are struggling to keep up with rising demand and shrinking resources. Only 60 percent of organizations expect to fully meet community needs in 2026. That’s down from 80 percent just a few years ago.
Ottawa News Network reports that leaders are also feeling the pressure. Eighty percent of executive directors report exhaustion, and job satisfaction has dropped sharply over the past several years. A major issue is funding. Pandemic-era federal dollars are running out, and nonprofits are now working to replace those funds with more stable, long-term sources.
At the same time, demand for services remains high. More than a third of households in Ottawa County are considered financially challenged, including many working families who still struggle to afford basic needs.
The report also highlights concerns about volunteer support. Fewer organizations say they have enough volunteers, and overall engagement is declining.
Nonprofit leaders say moving forward, strengthening funding sources and rebuilding volunteer networks will be key to meeting the community’s needs.
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