The passion with which many hate accounting measures as proxies for effectiveness is often matched by their ardent belief in the promise of impact-based performance measurement. At the risk of sounding like an accounting apologist, Brian Mittendorf believes the nonprofit sector should be careful what it wishes for.
The writings of observers like Dan Pallotta suggest that nonprofits shy away from investing in advertising because of pressures to limit their overhead. Ohio State University accounting professor Brian Mittendorf looks at the numbers and finds that nonprofits don’t seem to underinvest in advertising, overhead concerns or not.
Billionaire philanthropists have many options for doling out their mega-funds, and many will opt for traditional private foundations. But how do we raise questions about the timing of long-term grantmaking? And does the “spend down” model need rebranding?
Many crowdfunding projects are “one and done,” such as a musician’s production of an album. But how can you harness the power of crowdfunding for ongoing nonprofit service delivery?
“When somebody asked me about the sequester, I said it’s stupid, stupid, stupid,” said Erskine Bowles. Yet many in Congress don’t seem particularly concerned about their fiduciary duties.
With the clock ticking on a potential budget sequestration, a new survey finds that a majority of Americans are opposed to government funding cuts to almost every program.
The story behind the closure of a Southern California YMCA is a reminder that buildings are not just fixed assets but fixed assets that need to be fed like hungry babies.
Four Chicago nonprofit dance companies have merged into one: FlySpace. Is this the model of the future for many arts organizations that may benefit from pooling resources?
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded a record $20 billion in nonprofit hospital debt in 2012, citing concerns about reimbursement rates, slow insurance payment rates and other issues.
Most nonprofit leaders aren’t investment whizzes, but most realize that they should carefully consider their investment options. There are many ways to do so that are in harmony with one’s mission.
A recent report from the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform offers a scathing critique of New York’s administration of the Medicaid program.
Nonprofits in Flagstaff, Ariz. are likely breathing a sigh of relief after the Flagstaff City Council decided not to address some of its budget issues by cutting a United Way grant.
After a three-day meeting in Irving, Texas, the Boy Scouts of America releases a statement saying it needs more time to consider whether to lift ban on openly gay scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America will conclude a three-day meeting today on whether or not to change its policy of banning openly gay members from being Boy Scouts.
Forty years after Roe vs. Wade, the battle goes on. Just ask the Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliates nursing wounds after the national organization’s fight with Planned Parenthood.
Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-Md.) wants Maryland to become the latest state to abolish the death penalty. Is the anti-capital punishment movement gaining traction?
How do you determine which fundraising strategies and tactics to pursue? Consider this set of nine criteria to evaluate your organization’s fundraising program.
More health care centers are finding enticing tax credits and grants for redeveloping environmentally contaminated buildings, known as brownfields, for use as treatment facilities.
As we consider the broader implications of tax reform and government spending in the wake of the “fiscal cliff” deal, nonprofit leaders need to emphasize what we buy with our tax dollars.
The fiscal cliff deal is loaded with surprising giveaways to corporate special interests. How did a deal to stave off a national fiscal calamity end up giving away so much desperately needed revenue?
Last week the Senate approved a $60.4 billion aid package for hurricane Sandy relief for the East Coast, legislation but House Republican Leadership failed to act on it before closing the legislative session.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the National Rifle Association have very different messages on guns in the U.S. In the wake of recent killings, will action be taken?
Charles Murray’s “three laws of social programs” discusses how social programs can “backfire,” but some of these “laws” are not immutable and can be addressed with better program design.
Just as a really big lottery win can have devastating effects on the winner, that really big grant you dream about may also come with some unintended consequences.
Big Data sounds intimidating, but it can help tell the story of how you plan to make a difference in your community, and there are lots of places to get some good Big Data for your nonprofit.
The Washington Post reports that employers are awarding more bonuses and performance-based pay rather than pay increases in order to “incentivize workers.” Have you experienced this in your local nonprofit? Your thoughts?
NPQ believes that all nonprofits should be watching to see how the experiments with one another’s business models are working out. That’s why we’re watching the Hollywood Theater in Dormont, Pa., and their new membership program.
Outcomes-based metrics may be more accurate and more effective, but they do not speak to the heart the way that program-focused endeavors do.
The passion with which many hate accounting measures as proxies for effectiveness is often matched by their ardent belief in the promise of impact-based performance measurement. At the risk of sounding like an accounting apologist, Brian Mittendorf believes the nonprofit sector should be careful what it wishes for.
The writings of observers like Dan Pallotta suggest that nonprofits shy away from investing in advertising because of pressures to limit their overhead. Ohio State University accounting professor Brian Mittendorf looks at the numbers and finds that nonprofits don’t seem to underinvest in advertising, overhead concerns or not. 
Billionaire philanthropists have many options for doling out their mega-funds, and many will opt for traditional private foundations. But how do we raise questions about the timing of long-term grantmaking? And does the “spend down” model need rebranding?
Many crowdfunding projects are “one and done,” such as a musician’s production of an album. But how can you harness the power of crowdfunding for ongoing nonprofit service delivery? 
“When somebody asked me about the sequester, I said it’s stupid, stupid, stupid,” said Erskine Bowles. Yet many in Congress don’t seem particularly concerned about their fiduciary duties.
With the clock ticking on a potential budget sequestration, a new survey finds that a majority of Americans are opposed to government funding cuts to almost every program. 
The story behind the closure of a Southern California YMCA is a reminder that buildings are not just fixed assets but fixed assets that need to be fed like hungry babies.
Four Chicago nonprofit dance companies have merged into one: FlySpace. Is this the model of the future for many arts organizations that may benefit from pooling resources?
Most nonprofit leaders aren’t investment whizzes, but most realize that they should carefully consider their investment options. There are many ways to do so that are in harmony with one’s mission.
A recent report from the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform offers a scathing critique of New York’s administration of the Medicaid program.
In lower Manhattan, a building that was meant to house nonprofits is turning over to for-profit ventures.
Nonprofits in Flagstaff, Ariz. are likely breathing a sigh of relief after the Flagstaff City Council decided not to address some of its budget issues by cutting a United Way grant. 
After a three-day meeting in Irving, Texas, the Boy Scouts of America releases a statement saying it needs more time to consider whether to lift ban on openly gay scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America will conclude a three-day meeting today on whether or not to change its policy of banning openly gay members from being Boy Scouts. 
Forty years after Roe vs. Wade, the battle goes on. Just ask the Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliates nursing wounds after the national organization’s fight with Planned Parenthood. 
Gov. Martin O’Malley (D-Md.) wants Maryland to become the latest state to abolish the death penalty. Is the anti-capital punishment movement gaining traction? 
How do you determine which fundraising strategies and tactics to pursue? Consider this set of nine criteria to evaluate your organization’s fundraising program. 
More health care centers are finding enticing tax credits and grants for redeveloping environmentally contaminated buildings, known as brownfields, for use as treatment facilities. 
As we consider the broader implications of tax reform and government spending in the wake of the “fiscal cliff” deal, nonprofit leaders need to emphasize what we buy with our tax dollars. 
The fiscal cliff deal is loaded with surprising giveaways to corporate special interests. How did a deal to stave off a national fiscal calamity end up giving away so much desperately needed revenue? 
Last week the Senate approved a $60.4 billion aid package for hurricane Sandy relief for the East Coast, legislation but House Republican Leadership failed to act on it before closing the legislative session. 
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the National Rifle Association have very different messages on guns in the U.S. In the wake of recent killings, will action be taken? 
Charles Murray’s “three laws of social programs” discusses how social programs can “backfire,” but some of these “laws” are not immutable and can be addressed with better program design. 
Just as a really big lottery win can have devastating effects on the winner, that really big grant you dream about may also come with some unintended consequences. 
Big Data sounds intimidating, but it can help tell the story of how you plan to make a difference in your community, and there are lots of places to get some good Big Data for your nonprofit. 
NPQ believes that all nonprofits should be watching to see how the experiments with one another’s business models are working out. That’s why we’re watching the Hollywood Theater in Dormont, Pa., and their new membership program. 
