What Next?
For the State We're In
Volume 10; Issue 2
Summer 2003
Only underlined articles are available online. To read other articles, you may order the paper version of Summer 2003 issue., for $14.95.
Table of Contents
Features
Letters to the Editor
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.
by Roger Lohmann
The Greatest Leadership Challenge: Renewing
our Belief in Democracy and Political Advocacy
Who speaks for democracy today? Scott Harshbarger, former
attorney general of Massachusetts, maintains that the nonprofit sector has a
unique and vital role to play in preserving democratic institutions.
by Scott Harshbarger
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.
by Jeff Madrick
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.
by Jon Pratt
Responsible Retrenchment: Advice to Nonprofits
Most organizations are operating with little or no
cushion in the current financial crisis, but Denice 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.
by Denice Williams
Improving Cash Flow Management in Challenging
Times: A Primer
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.
by Murray Dropkin
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.
by the editors
Departments
Problem Boards or Board Problem?
How we can make board work more meaningful for serving
members and more consequential for their organizations? The authors suggest
that much of the current investment in addressing problems of performance
might be better spent on examining issues related to better defining purpose.
by William P. Ryan, Richard P. Chait,
and Barbara E. Taylor
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.
by the editors
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.
by Michael Stein
Budget shortfalls are imposing new burdens (and casualties)
on nonprofits already hard-pressed to find ways of doing more with less…and
even less. Does the charitable mission of nonprofits also carry an implicit
obligation to bring a deeper sense of compassion to decisions about staff layoffs?
by Ty dePass
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.”
by Phil Anthrop
Copyright 2003. All rights
reserved by Third Sector New England, Boston, MA (Volume 10, Issue 2). The Nonprofit
Quarterly features innovative thinking and management practices in the nonprofit
sector. For reprint permission or subscription information please e-mail subscriptions@tsne.org.
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