2025 Nonprofit Survey Report
In 2025, Lago Alianza set out to better understand the nonprofit landscape of the Lake Chapala region. While local organizations are deeply embedded in their communities, there had never been a comprehensive snapshot of their strengths, challenges, and priorities. The survey was designed to fill that gap by gathering insights directly from nonprofit leaders about how they operate, where they struggle, and what support could help them thrive.
The findings highlight both resilience and vulnerability. Nonprofits are creative and dedicated, often achieving remarkable impact with limited resources. At the same time, many face common barriers such as fundraising pressures, volunteer shortages, and the need for stronger collaboration. By documenting these realities, the survey provides a shared foundation for nonprofits, donors, and community members to work together more strategically.
Our goal in publishing this report is not just to share data, but to spark action. We invite you to explore the results, reflect on what they reveal about our region, and join the conversation about how to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem. Together, we can build a more connected, sustainable, and impactful future for the communities of Lake Chapala.
Funding
The 2025 survey of nonprofits found that funding is a concern of the majority of nonprofits in the Lakeside area. Lago Alianza is developing ways to encourage more funding to nonprofits in the area.
The programs underway are:
The Lake Chapala Donor Advised Funds (held under the umbrella of CAF America and CAF Canada). The Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are separate organizations than Lago Alianza but work in partnership to fund local groups that deliver charitable services in the Lake Chapala Area and seek funding to improve their sustainability. The funds are granted at the direction of the fund donors. To date three local organizations have been vetted and received grant commitments. Other groups are under review. These funds allow large donors to receive a tax deduction for US or Canadian taxes and allow funds to be distributed to the groups and on the time schedule desired by the donor.
The DAF with CAF America is also considering establishing an annual competitive grant program for funds not designated to specific nonprofits by DAF donors.
Lago Alianza is evaluating the feasibility of sponsoring a “100 Who Care” program for the Lake Chapala area. This is a giving circle model operating in hundreds of communities around the world. It offers promise of quarterly small competitive grantmaking and improving the visibility of the nonprofit sector here at Lakeside.
If you are a large donor in the Lake Chapala area and would like to consider joining with other donors please contact joan@lagoalianza.org
If you are a nonprofit and interested in knowing more about DAF funding please contact joan@lagoalianza.org
If you are a nonprofit and want to keep up-to-date on emerging funding opportunities, your best and most current information will come from your membership in groups.io. To join please contact michael@lagoalianza.org
Our Gathering Place - Groups.io
At Lago Alianza, we believe that collaboration begins with connection. That’s why we use Groups.io - a simple, private online space where nonprofit leaders and community members can share ideas, ask questions, and support one another.
Think of it as a digital gathering place: part email list, part message board, and all about strengthening the bonds that make our region thrive. Whether you’re announcing an upcoming event, looking for volunteers, or just wanting to learn from others, Groups.io helps keep the conversation flowing and the community connected.
If you are part of a nonprofit in the Lake Chapala region, we warmly invite you to fill out our Groups.io form using the button below.
Your information will remain private and will only be used to connect you with Lago Alianza’s nonprofit network.
How Can Nonprofits Better Collaborate And Share Resources With Each Other?
We recently came across a very interesting article by Blue Avocado, an online magazine with hundreds of articles written by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders.
In an era where collaboration is key to maximizing impact, nonprofits are increasingly seeking ways to work together more effectively. In the link below, you'll read about how nonprofit leaders share practical strategies for nonprofit collaboration, including trust-building, shared goals, technology use, and resource pooling to maximize impact and reduce redundancy.