Understanding Nonprofit Organizations examines the most important issues that face today's leaders and managers of nonprofit organizations through the writing of scholars, consultants, and practicing executives. It focuses on governing, leading, and managing nonprofit organizations and how such organizations differ from both the public and private sectors. Each part opens with a framing essay that identifies the central themes and issues and summarizes the significance of the contribution that each piece makes to the development of knowledge in the field. Completely revised and updated, the third edition includes new articles on legal frameworks, philanthropy, managing volunteers and accountability, as well as an original essay on capacity building. In addition, the third edition features new, thought-provoking case studies by C. Kenneth Meyer--making it an even more student-friendly text for graduate and upper-division undergraduate nonprofit organizations and management survey courses.
There are no easy solutions to the complexities faced by nonprofit leaders and managers. This textbook addresses the governance, leadership, and management functions of the thousands of organizations in the nonprofit sector that provide an enormous range of services. This thoroughly revised fourth edition of Understanding Nonprofit Organizations does not simply recount and summarize seminal literature; it presents 22 of the most important and informative articles, chapters, and essays written about the workings of nonprofit organizations, alongside 18 case studies that illustrate the complex governing, leading, and managing issues raised in the chapters. The introductions that open each of the sections explore important issues and concepts, provide context, and explain what students should be looking for as they read each of the chapters. Each section introduction has been extensively rewritten or updated to address recent movements and changes in the nonprofit field, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of nonprofit organizations’ functions and ability to raise funds, increasing social and political divides within countries and communities, the gains and problems that have arisen with dramatic expansion of social media, and the need for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our organizations and our society. Understanding Nonprofit Organizations provides a cohesive set of relevant readings for a course on nonprofit organizations and management, and instructors and students will appreciate the original case studies that parallel the major themes presented. The book is also designed for individuals who are hoping or planning to move into paid or voluntary leadership and management positions in nonprofit organizations—as well as for those already involved with nonprofits seeking to improve their skills and understanding of their chosen field.
Offers a valuable resource for scholars, teachers, students, and nonprofit practitioners interested in understanding nonprofit work from a communication perspective This sophisticated yet accessible book explores the dynamics of organizational communication in the context of nonprofit work. It delves deeply into the subjects of communication and social construction and develops several key subject areas and issues including leadership, management, and governance; the marketization of nonprofit work; collaboration and organizational partnerships; meaningful labor; and international nonprofit work. Understanding Nonprofit Work: A Communication Perspective is the first resource to bring together the considerable and voluminous amount of communication scholarship and nonprofit research available in academia. Moving beyond the simplistic notion of communication as merely the transmission of information, it instead develops a more insightful approach to nonprofit work based on the concept of communication as social construction, explaining the implications and applications of this distinct communication perspective in ways that will benefit both communication scholars and nonprofit practitioners. Additionally, this book: Brings together a wealth of information in communication theory and nonprofit organizations in a thoughtful, approachable style Demonstrates the application and utility of a communication perspective across several key aspects of nonprofit work Written by two well-known scholars in the field with considerable experience in nonprofit work—teaching, research, volunteering, consulting, and board membership Understanding Nonprofit Work is an ideal book for advanced undergraduate and graduate level students in courses on nonprofit work, or broader classes on organizational communication and public administration that have units on the nonprofit sector. This book is also perfect for nonprofit professionals looking to develop a more sophisticated and insightful approach to their work.
MANAGING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS This essential resource offers an overall understanding of nonprofits based on both the academic literature and practitioner experience. It shows how to lead, manage, govern, and structure effective and ethical nonprofit organizations. Managing Nonprofit Organizations reveals what it takes to be entrepreneurial and collaborative, formulate successful strategies, assess performance, manage change, acquire resources, be a responsible financial steward, and design and implement solid marketing and communication plans. "Managing Nonprofit Organizations is the only introductory text on this subject that manages to do three critical things equally well: It's comprehensive, covering all the key topics leaders of NPOs need to know about; it's practical, providing lots of examples, case incidents, and experiential exercises that connect the content to the real world; and, best of all (and most unique compared to others), it's research-based, drawing on the latest and best empirical studies that look into what works and doesn't work in the world of nonprofit management." —Vic Murray, professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria "This book is a rarity—a text that can be used both as the focus for academic study and as a source of stimulating ideas for those practitioners who want to explore theories about management and how they can be applied so they can do a better job. Tschirhart and Bielefeld have explained all aspects of nonprofit management and leadership in a way that will stimulate as well as inform." —Richard Brewster, executive director, National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise, Virginia Tech University "Managing Nonprofit Organizations presents a comprehensive treatment of this important topic. The book satisfies the competencies and curriculum guidelines developed by NASPAA and by NACC and would be ideal for instruction. The book maintains its commitment to informing management and leadership throughout the nonprofit sector." —Jeffrey L. Brudney, Albert A. Levin Chair of Urban Studies and Public Service, Cleveland State University "This is an important book, written by two of the leading scholars in the nonprofit studies field. Nonprofit managers, board members, funders, educators, and others will find Managing Nonprofit Organizations extremely valuable." —Michael O' Neill, professor of nonprofit management, University of San Francisco "Here's the book that my students have been asking for—just the right mix of theory presentation, research findings, and practical suggestions to serve the thoughtful nonprofit management practitioner. It will inform, instruct, and ultimately, inspire." —Rikki Abzug, professor of management, Anisfield School of Business, Ramapo College
Book & CD-ROM. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are over 1.4 million registered non-profit organisations in the United States alone. While the areas of focus may differ, one thing applies to each and every organisation: The challenges of running a non-profit are far reaching and unique. This book teaches you the basics, including how to: create a plan, fund a mission, recruit and keep volunteers, create and follow a budget, perform SWOT analysis, and more. You will also learn about performance measurement tools, taxes, management theories, accounting, public and government relations, insurance, fundraising, educational programs, sponsorship programs, legal requirements, consultants, lobbying, and ethics. Also included are strategies for working with the board of directors, managing conflicts of interest, hiring or firing, and other management issues. This book shows you how to overcome common obstacles, such as founder's syndrome, poor meeting attendance, and rapid staff turnover. You are also provided with real world examples and case studies that demonstrate both effective and ineffective management strategies. The companion CD-ROM contains worksheets, checklists, and tables to aid in your non-profit management strategy.
Expert contributors offer insights from economics, history, and other disciplines to define the nonprofit's place and mission in a market economy--from soliciting contributions and recruiting volunteers to government regulation of nonprofit activity.
“A fine volume on the moral meaning and function of philanthropy…makes the case that philanthropy is essential to democratic society.”—Choice Philanthropy has existed in various forms in all cultures and civilizations throughout history, yet most people know little about it and its distinctive place in our lives. Why does philanthropy exist? Why do people so often turn to philanthropy when we want to make the world a better place? In essence, what is philanthropy? These fundamental questions are tackled in this engaging and original book. Written by one of the founding figures in the field of philanthropic studies, Robert L. Payton, and his former student sociologist Michael P. Moody, Understanding Philanthropy presents a new way of thinking about the meaning and mission of philanthropy. Weaving together accessible theoretical explanations with fascinating examples of philanthropic action, this book advances key scholarly debates about philanthropy and offers practitioners a way of explaining the rationale for their nonprofit efforts.
A comprehensive handbook for leading a successful nonprofit This handbook can educate and empower a whole generation of nonprofit leaders and professionals by bringing together top experts in the field to share their knowledge and wisdom gained through experience. This book provides nonprofit professionals with the conceptual frameworks, practical knowledge, and concise guidance needed to succeed in the social sector. Designed as a handbook, the book is filled with sage advice and insights from a variety of trusted experts that can help nonprofit professionals prepare to achieve their organizational and personal goals, develop a better understanding of what they need to do to lead, support, and grow an effective organization. Addresses a wealth of topics including fundraising, Managing Technology, Marketing, Finances, Advocacy, Working with Boards Contributors are noted nonprofit experts who define the core capabilities needed to manage a successful nonprofit Author is the former Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation This important resource offers professionals key insights that will have a direct impact on improving their daily work.
What does an Executive Director actually do? And how can you lead your organization to a stronger place? Nonprofit expert Erik Hanberg wrote The Little Book of Nonprofit Leadership to speak directly to Executive Directors of small (and very small) nonprofits who are asking these questions. EDs, especially at small nonprofits, tend to be dropped into the deep end of the pool with the expectation that they know how to swim. The Little Book of Nonprofit Leadership will be a welcome rescue line. The book is filled with practical tips and big-picture ideas about: the basics of the job; program, people, and money—the three essential areas that a nonprofit ED needs to master; working with your board (including how to ask for a raise!); your first 100 days as a new ED; a guide to being a part-time Executive Director ; and more, including access to bonus chapters and special resources! Erik Hanberg has twenty years of nonprofit experience at organizations of all sizes. He’s channeled that experience into his four “little books” for nonprofits, which together have sold tens of thousands of copies.
Essential tools and guidance for effective nonprofit financial management Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations provides students, professionals, and board members with a comprehensive reference for the field. Identifying key objectives and exploring current practices, this book offers practical guidance on all major aspects of nonprofit financial management. As nonprofit organizations fall under ever-increasing scrutiny and accountability, this book provides the essential knowledge and tools professional need to maintain a strong financial management system while serving the organization’s stated mission. Financial management, cash flow, and financial sustainability are perennial issues, and this book highlights the concepts, skills, and tools that help organizations address those issues. Clear guidance on analytics, reporting, investing, risk management, and more comprise a singular reference that nonprofit finance and accounting professionals and board members should keep within arm’s reach. Updated to reflect the post-recession reality and outlook for nonprofits, this new edition includes new examples, expanded tax-exempt financing material, and recession analysis that informs strategy going forward. Articulate the proper primary financial objective, target liquidity, and how it ensures financial health and sustainability Understand nonprofit financial practices, processes, and objectives Manage your organization’s resources in the context of its mission Delve into smart investing and risk management best practices Manage liquidity, reporting, cash and operating budgets, debt and other liabilities, IP, legal risk, internal controls and more Craft appropriate financial policies Although the U.S. economy has recovered, recovery has not addressed the systemic and perpetual funding challenges nonprofits face year after year. Despite positive indicators, many organizations remain hampered by pursuit of the wrong primary financial objective, insufficient funding and a lack of investment in long-term sustainability; in this climate, financial managers must stay up-to-date with the latest tools, practices, and regulations in order to serve their organization’s interests. Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations provides clear, in-depth reference and strategy for navigating the expanding financial management function.
