Date of Conferral

10-27-2026

Date of Award

October 2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

Resource development is a challenge for community-based nonprofit organizations seeking to sustain services and achieve long-term success. Leaders at one nonprofit organization identified a need for a more strategic approach to resource development and funding sustainability. The research questions were what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the organization, and what strategies can the organization employ to sustain funding and long-term success. The purpose of this study was to assess the organization's capacity for resource development and to identify strategies to support long-term financial sustainability and organizational effectiveness. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis served as the framework. Data were collected through surveys and on-site semi-structured interviews with leaders, staff, and volunteers as and document reviews. An inductive thematic analysis indicated that strong community outreach, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and donor relationship development were factors supporting resource development. Participants identified donor relationships, individual contributions, and community partnerships as important sources of funding stability. Opportunities to strengthen fundraising capacity through enhanced communication strategies, greater use of social media platforms, and the development of diversified revenue streams. Recommendations to improve administrative practice included implementing a resource development plan, strengthening donor stewardship activities, expanding community partnerships, and establishing fundraising strategies. The results may contribute to positive social change by enhancing the organization's capacity to sustain youth development services and the community.

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