Are Disasters Disastrous to Nonprofit Organizations? Investigating the Financial Implications of Hurricane Sandy for Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are sensitive to external disasters due to their high reliance on external funds and volunteers. In this study, I investigate how disasters affect the financial health of nonprofits and what factors make them more vulnerable within the context of disaster. The sample in this study includes nonprofits directly and indirectly affected by Hurricane Sandy. Using a logistic regression model, I explore if the disaster contributed to the likelihood of a nonprofit experiencing financial distress. Disaster, as an external shock, increases risks of nonprofits experiencing financial distress, especially for smaller nonprofits and nonprofits not relying on commercial revenue.