The Hard Work of Measuring Social Impact

Donors are placing nonprofits on the hot seat to measure social performance. Problem is, there is little agreement on what those metrics should be. Professor Alnoor Ebrahim on how nonprofit managers should respond.

How to Market Yourself to Nonprofits

What makes one jobseeker more appealing than another in the eyes of a nonprofit employer? This article explores some proven ways to increase your nonprofit marketability.

The Case for MBAs in the Nonprofit Sector

Only 6% of MBA graduates plan on pursuing careers in the social sector. What will it take to get more MBAs into the social sector? Is there even a demand for these types of hires? This article describes the success that two organizations have found in hiring MBAs, outlines some of the challenges associated with hiring candidates with MBAs, and provides some suggestions for overcoming … [ Read more ]

Misgivings

Recent studies raise an uncharitable question: Is nonprofit accounting off track?

Enterprising Nonprofits: Revenue Generation in the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofit managers who develop social purpose ventures to generate revenues to support a social mission have limited opportunities to share their experiences with others in the field or to learn from the experiences of others. Many nonprofit managers also have modest business backgrounds. Yet, despite these challenges, the movement toward income generation by nonprofits continues to grow. Some of these ventures succeed, yet many more … [ Read more ]

The Dynamic Nonprofit Board

Corporations aren’t alone in focusing on governance; rigorous oversight of management and performance is increasingly important for nonprofits too.

The Invisible World of Association

We have business and we have government. For too many intents and purposes, we have nothing in between. This distinction has framed the great social debate for more than a century: capitalism versus socialism, markets versus controls, individualism versus collectivism, privatization versus nationalization, “free enterprise” versus “democracy of the proletariat.” The debate features no cooperatives, no NGOs, no not-for-profits, no volunteer organizations, not because they … [ Read more ]

Helping nonprofits do business

Business plan competitions are a powerful way to help nonprofits turn ideas into sustainable commercial ventures.

Nonprofits: Ensuring that Bigger is Better

The federation structure remains a viable model for nonprofit organizations – if managements transform themselves and affiliates collaborate more closely.

Nonprofit Entrepreneurs: How WGBH Markets its Brand

This broadcaster has built and leveraged powerful commercial brands, all while keeping a careful eye on its nonprofit mission.

Organizational Lessons for Nonprofits

Teach For America learned the importance of building organizational capacity the hard way.

A point of light in Mumbai

By developing a low-cost distribution channel, an Indian nonprofit organization can deliver child education and nutrition programs for just a few dollars a child per year.

Not-for-profit management: The gift that keeps on giving

Nonprofit organizations should focus on building a lasting organization and on developing effective performance metrics. To make this possible, donors must change their approach to philanthropy.