On Being Nonprofit: A Conceptual and Policy PrimerThis concise and illuminating book provides a road map to the evolving conceptual and policy terrain of the nonprofit sector. Drawing on prominent economic, political, and sociological explanations of nonprofit activity, Peter Frumkin focuses on four important functions that have come to define nonprofit organizations. The author clarifies the debate over the underlying rationale for the nonprofit and voluntary sector's privileged position in America by examining how nonprofits deliver needed services, promote civic engagement, express values and faith, and channel entrepreneurial impulses. He also exposes the difficult policy questions that have emerged as the boundaries between the nonprofit, business, and government sectors have blurred. Focusing on nonprofits' growing dependence on public funding, tendency toward political polarization, often idiosyncratic missions, and increasing commercialism, Peter Frumkin argues that the long-term challenges facing nonprofit organizations will only be solved when they achieve greater balance among their four central functions. By probing foundational thinking as well as emergent ideas, the book is an essential guide for nonprofit novitiates and experts alike who want to understand the issues propelling public debate about the future of their sector. By virtue of its breadth and insight, Frumkin's book will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay of public purposes and private values that animate nonprofit organizations. |
Contents
The Idea of a Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector | 1 |
Civic and Political Engagement | 29 |
Service Delivery | 64 |
Copyright | |
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ability achieve advocacy agencies Allen Grossman American argued broad broader challenges charitable Chronicle of Philanthropy civic and political civic engagement clients commercial commitment competition contracts contributions create critical deliver services demand democracy donors efforts entrepreneurship expressive dimension faith-based fees focused for-profit firms foundations funders funds ganizations giving grassroots groups idea important income individuals innovation institutions interest issues Jossey-Bass lobbying market failure ment mission needs nonprofit activity nonprofit and vol nonprofit and voluntary nonprofit organiza nonprofit organizations nonprofit sector operate Peter Dobkin Hall philanthropy political engagement private values problems professional programs public policy question religious responsibility revenues role San Francisco seek service delivery social capital social entrepreneurs social entrepreneurship social service society staff supply-side Theda Skocpol theory tions Tocqueville trust University Press values and faith voluntary action voluntary associations voluntary organizations voluntary sector volunteers York