Understanding Nonprofit Organizations

There are no easy solutions to the complexities faced by nonprofit leaders and managers. This textbook addresses the governance, leadership, and management functions of the thousands of organisations in the nonprofit sector that provide an enormous range of services. This thoroughly revised fourth edition of Understanding Nonprofit Organizations does not simply recount and summarise seminal literature; it presents 22 of the most important and informative articles, chapters, and essays written about the workings of nonprofit organisations, alongside 18 case studies that illustrate the complex governing, leading, and managing issues raised in the chapters.

The introductions that open each of the sections explore important issues and concepts, provide context, and explain what students should be looking for as they read each of the chapters. Each section introduction has been extensively rewritten or updated to address recent movements and changes in the nonprofit field, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of nonprofit organisations’ functions and ability to raise funds, increasing social and political divides within countries and communities, the gains and problems that have arisen with dramatic expansion of social media, and the need for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organisations and our society.

Understanding Nonprofit Organizations provides a cohesive set of relevant readings for a course on nonprofit organisations and management, and instructors and students will appreciate the original case studies that parallel the major themes presented. The book is also designed for individuals who are hoping or planning to move into paid or voluntary leadership and management positions in nonprofit organisations—as well as for those already involved with nonprofits seeking to improve their skills and understanding of their chosen field.