Building a More Robust and Effective Nonprofit Sector
By: Elizabeth K. Keating
Both nonprofits and their funders have grappled in recent years with how to ensure that the sector has a growing and sustainable impact. Many argue that inefficiency – even fraud – has critically hampered the sector’s effectiveness. The response for at least a decade has been for funders to strictly limit the quantity and uses of their funding. In three recent studies, I have examined the consequences of these restrictions on the financial health of Massachusetts nonprofits and, more generally on overhead practices.
Click here for article.

Social Enterprise Governance Needs Highlighted in New Report
Good governance is essential for social enterprises to thrive and be sustainable, according to new research from the Governance Hub and the Social Enterprise Coalition in the UK. This is the conclusion of research undertaken by ARNOVA board member Chris Cornforth and colleagues at Open University, into the governance needs of social enterprises. The study shows that a priority for the social enterprise sector is to strengthen links with governance advisers and consultants working at local and regional levels and provide them with appropriate training and support.
Click here for article.

New Report on Foundation Spending Available
Those of you who do a good bit of work with Foundations, and want to better understand what drives their spending patterns, may find it valuable to look at a new report recently issued by the Urban Institute, the Foundation Center, and Guidestar. Entitled “What Drives Foundation Expenses and Compensation? Results of a Three-Year Study,” this report details the results of a comprehensive study of what factors shape foundation spending patterns. The report can be found at the websites of: the Foundation Center, the Urban Institute, and Guidestar.
   

2008

May 4-7
Council on Foundations "Philanthropy's Vision: A Leadership Summit," Washington Metropolitan Area, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md.; Contact: www.cof.org

May 14
9th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers, “The Power of Connections: Creating Links That Count for Nonprofit Organizations,” North Park University, Chicago, Ill.; Contact: North Park University at (773) 244-5799 or http://www.northpark.edu/axelson

July 9-11
2008 Annual Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference, "Keys for Nonprofit Excellence: Accountability, Sustainability, Impact," Dearborn, Mich.; Contact: www.allianceonline.org

August 20-23
2008 Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement International Conference, Denver, Colo.; Contact: www.aprahome.org

November 9-11
2008 Independent Sector Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.; Contact: www.independentsector.org

November 20-22
2008 Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Conference, Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa.; Contact: ARNOVA at (317) 684-2120 or www.arnova.org
  

To subscribe to this quarterly e-newsletter, click here.

To unsubscribe to this e-newsletter, click here.

This e-newsletter published by:

A community of people dedicated to fostering through research the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge on voluntary action, nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Visit www.arnova.org for more information or call (317) 684-2120.

Opinions expressed in this e-newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or the association.