CHICAGO-A survey of about 200 senior level non-profit executives shows that while many examined real estate as a place to cut back spending in the past two years, they also now have a good, but not great, feeling about 2011. CB Richard Ellis’ Nonprofit Practice Group, based here, conducted the survey of operators of both charities and member-based associations.

Many office brokers have said that non-profits, along with education and government tenants, contributed heavily to the first half’s increased activity, though it’s clear that the movement was more of in line with the musical chairs variety. However, leases were signed and owners found tenants, even if it was for less space than before, says Gregg Witt, a CBRE senior vice president, and the Nonprofit practice leader.

More than half of the survey respondents said real estate was on the chopping block in 2008 and 2009 to halt the massive losses from the economic downturn. “Since occupancy is typically their number two expense behind personnel, it’s the first place they look for savings,” Witt says. Whereas almost 32% said they cut member programs this year, more than 57% said they are trying to redo their current lease, laying off staff or even subleasing existing space.

Most of those surveyed agreed that the economy has hit bottom, but were split about whether improvements will show soon, or there will be more bouncing along the bottom. “Only 11% felt that things were going to get worse before they got better,” Witt says. To that end, almost 70% said they planned to grow their staff up to 5% annually in the next five years, Witt says.