Report anticipates shortfall in nonprofit leadership

Louisiana nonprofits are predicted to face a significant shortfall in leadership over the next five to 10 years, according to a report released today by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations. The 2011 Nonprofit Talent Development Survey, conducted earlier this year, says the shortage is due to a number of factors, but in large part to a lack of career preparation within the nonprofit sector. “Many people started their nonprofit work because they wanted to make a difference, but many respondents say they ‘mostly just fell into’ the sector,” the report says. Survey responses came from nearly 389 nonprofit and foundation employees working in 27 of the state’s 64 parishes. About half of the responses came collectively from Orleans (33%) and East Baton Rouge (21%) parishes. The goal of the report is to initiate discussion and planning in advance of the predicted shortfall in leadership, says LANO. “Based on the response to the report, we will evaluate interest in a cross-sector initiative to build a robust talent development process and create a pipeline for those interested in pursuing cause careers,” concludes the report. See it in its entirety here. LANO New Orleans office director Cory Sparks, is welcoming public questions and comments on the report. You can email him at corysparks@lano.org.