Welcome to the Race to Lead 2025 Survey!
Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Building Movement Project's Race to Lead 2025 survey. We're excited to learn about your experiences in the nonprofit sector and how current political, social, and economic dynamics are shaping your work and leadership.
Who Should Take This Survey
This survey is for anyone who currently works for pay at a nonprofit organization in the United States or its territories, regardless of your role, title, or how long you've been in the sector.
Why This Survey Matters
Led by the Building Movement Project (BMP), the Race to Lead initiative has surveyed nonprofit workers every three years since 2016. With over 12,000 responses collected to date, it remains one of the largest data sources on race and leadership in the sector.
As we approach the initiative's 10-years mark, the 2025 survey builds on past efforts while exploring new, timely questions, including:
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How political backlash is affecting DEI strategies and funding
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What internal workplace culture looks like in today's sector
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The impact of caregiving, geography, and identity on nonprofit experiences
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How organizations are adapting (or not) to shifting demands for equity and accountability
By participating, you are helping to:
- Advance equity by elevating the voices of nonprofit workers - especially those at the margins of race, gender, class, immigration status, disability, and sexuality
- Document shifts in how nonprofit staff and leaders experience power, culture, and inclusion in a rapidly changing sector
- Support accountability by contributing to research that funders, organizations, and networks use to guide change
- Shape the future by informing tools, resources, and strategies designed to build a more just and sustainable nonprofit ecosystem
Anonymity and Data Use
This survey is anonymous. We do not collect any personally identifiable information within the survey itself. Your responses will be analyzed in aggregate with others and will never be linked to you individually.
Survey Length & Optional Raffle
The survey takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete, though your time may vary. We know it's a commitment, but your insights are vital. Please answer as honestly and completely as you can.
At the end of the survey, you'll have the option to enter a raffle for one of ten $250 Visa gift cards. If you choose to participate, you'll be directed to a separate form to provide your name and email address. This ensures your contact information is never connected to your survey response.
Navigation Tips
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Use the Next and Back buttons at the bottom of each page to move through the survey.
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Avoid using your browser’s back button, which may erase your responses.
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On mobile devices, the survey may auto-advance after each question. If not, use the arrow to continue.
Save and Return Later
After the first question, you'll see an option to “Save and continue later” link in the upper-right corner. Enter your email to receive a personalized return link. If you don't see the email, check your Spam or Junk folder.
Questions or Support?
Email us at research@buildingmovement.org