Why do some nonprofits fail after a few years, while other organizations continue to thrive for decades? The difference is that successful nonprofits often exhibit organizational capacity in four key areas: leadership, programs, finances, and adaptability.

This conversation on adaptability is the second in the Foundation Center’s four-part series on Nonprofit Sustainability (See Part 1 here).  Adaptive capacity refers to the potential within a nonprofit organization to respond in a timely and creative fashion to internal and external change. Key to this capacity is preparing a nonprofit’s governance, administration, and finances to respond to unanticipated obstacles and opportunities that arise down the road.

Our expert speakers share their insights on how an organization can monitor and assess change both within itself and in the sector and world as a whole, and prepare action plans that use the organization's strengths to take full advantage of the opportunities found in challenging situations.  Peter York, a Senior Partner and Chief Research and Learning Officer at TTC Group, moderates the discussion between our panelists: Robin Burnstein, the Executive Director at Encore Experiences; and Doug Eschbach, the Executive Director of Generations of Indian Valley.  Hear first-hand accounts from representatives of nonprofits that have successfully cultivated adaptive capacity in their organizations.