Karl Mathieson recently passed away but his ideas live on in many of us working to make nonprofits and communities more powerful, not least at the Management Assistance Group which he founded and where daring honesty still is the rule.
Data Islands in the Stream
All nonprofits manage some elements of customer/constituent relationships in data files. Now more nonprofits are finding ways to better integrate aspects of their relations with volunteers, donors and members.
The Commons: Our Mission If We Choose to Accept It
The “commons,” a concept developed in both Europe and North America, not only provided a physical space where people could congregate and share ideas, but suggests an overarching social theory that explains the unique missions and roles of nonprofits and voluntary associations.
Why Save $100 Billion, When You Can Save $500 Billion?
Phil Anthrop reviews “The Nonprofit Sector’s $500 Billion Opportunity,” an efficiency blueprint for revitalizing the nonprofit sector through the development of charity Marts and “effervescent effectiveness strategies.”
Welcome | Summer 2003
Welcome to our world—the world that nonprofits are, and will be inhabiting, for the next few years. This issue of the Nonprofit Quarterly has attempted not only to bring to the surface many of the contextual issues that may challenge us in the near future, but has also tried to suggest actions that we may
Who’s Promoting the General Welfare?
A “social contract” providing for justice, equity, and opportunity has been a cornerstone of our national aspirations from the beginning. Nonetheless, author Jeff Madrick explains, deepening disparities in wealth and political influence signify that it’s time to stir up a fuss.
The Nonprofit Sector’s Downward Slope: How Steep and How Long?
Even if the economy rebounds tomorrow, nonprofits can expect to stay in recession much longer. Jon Pratt surveys the wave of cutbacks in major revenue sources, from state funding to foundation grants, and predicts that long-term recovery will be a matter of discerning trends, assessing options and anticipating opportunities and obstacles.
Responsible Retrenchment: Advice to Nonprofits
Most organizations are operating with little or no cushion in the current financial crisis, but Denise Williams advises that strategies be integrated into everyday management practices. This involves deep, honest decisions about ways to scale back, maximize productivity, or resolve to close up shop all together—if that makes more sense.
Improving Cash Flow Management In Challenging Times: A Primer
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Revenue is so unstable in these times, it’s especially important to monitor your cash flow. Author Murray Dropkin offers a complete refresher on how to budget a surplus, establish policies and train your staff with such fiscal sense in mind. People with less experience in this area or smaller organizations might find this especially helpful.
From Funders to Funders: Advice on Giving in Hard Times
How should foundations understand their charitable missions in hard economic times? Should they increase their payout in response to dire and immediate local circumstances, or focus on asset-building and maintenance in anticipation of future need? NPQ asked three foundation executives for their insights into grant levels, funding emphases and policy advocacy.
The Growth of New Foundations (and what should you do about it)
With the recent proliferation of new small foundations, we asked Charles Scott, former CEO of the Association for Small Foundations, to advise how to develop fundraising relationships with this community. Take note, it’s quite different from large foundations.
Analyzing Web Site Traffic: Transforming Information into Learning and Action
“Visitor traffic can be a treasure trove of information about the usage patterns of a Web site,” says Internet strategist Michael Stein. The trick is in how to tease enough meaning from this mountain of raw data to make the most from your Internet presence.