SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

Strong instructional leader – Mr. Tynes (sustainability)
Unique multigenerational approach that educates students as they research and develop media
Digital media and 3D modeling training is a part of students’ curricula and not the responsibility of the organization
Digital media for HIV/AIDS awareness and education is not currently being developed by students
Not for profit organizations are usually tax exempt
Low startup capital requirements (consumer server & website)
Grass-roots organization possesses cultural and political knowledge and awareness of local economic condition
NGOs often have a volunteer staff in many roles, resulting in fewer staff on payroll
The board of directors must by law be composed of volunteers, which can be an advantage to the company
Most of the money and materials that nonprofits use for their operational costs and charity work come from donations

Lack of community awareness or involvement with the HIV/AIDS issue
Little money to cover their expenses with revenue
Lower in-house salaries for employees than for-profit competitors.
Finding grants and applying for them is a considerable task
Not for profit organizations are not totally in control of since they cannot force companies or people to give them money
Underdeveloped board of trustees
Limited issue expertise and resources
Lack of demonstrated results

Potential school district and university support
Pharmaceutical support and funding
HMO/PPO support and funding
Little or no competition pertaining to student developed media
Can overcome limited issue expertise and resources through university research partnerships
Grant opportunities: government or private agency or group. There are many grants being offered even during a recession
Alliances with other organizations & commercial business or other NGOs
May be also eligible for many types of tax deductions and exemptions
Cause marketing - a system in which a portion of a purchase price charged by a commercial business is donated to a specific charity

Vulnerability to economic crises and instability
Digital media developed by research organizations or pharmaceutical companies (Kirschbaum, 2004)
Lack of participation or encouragement by faculty and students at institutions of learning
Increased scrutiny on accounting and booking practices avoid the perception of impropriety
Weakened HIV/AIDS advocacy in the United States as patients on ARV treatment live longer
Grass-roots organization may set up unsustainable initiatives without linking to wider trade development solutions
Too much competition from many nonprofit organizations working for the same purpose of HIV/AIDS education and awareness
The ability to organize substantive and meaningful fundraisers to help raise money and boost brand recognition