5 Challenges for the Nonprofit World in 2012
The still-troubled economy looms large over charities, but simply keeping the lights on isn’t the only problem organizations face. All sorts of nonprofits are likely to struggle with challenges about performance, money, management, and competition.
By NICOLE WALLACE and Caroline Preston
Examining the Complex Relationship Between Board and Executive Director
Reader comments show the discrepancy between how boards should function and how they really do.
By RICK MOYERS
Contributor
2012 Resolutions for the Nonprofit World
Diverse leaders and thinkers offer their hopes and challenges for the new year.
Social Business: A More Sustainable Way to Help in Haiti?
A project to create social businesses is bringing new resources to support education in Haiti’s poorest communities.
By Scott Henderson
Contributor
Simple Lessons in Nonprofit Insurance
Two experts explain the basics of protecting against the financial risks all charities face.
By Dione Alexander
Contributor
How Do Consultants Find Fresh Ideas?
Pressure to innovate is growing more intense for advisers to nonprofits.
By PENELOPE CAGNEY
Contributor
Behind a Ballet School’s Financial Transformation Is a Strong Artistic Director
A Washington ballet academy had to woo a leader who was reluctant to return to tough fund-raising demands, but when he persuaded the board to allow him to make big changes, he made the leap.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Families International Chief Follows a Mentor
New executive regards the group’s late director, Peter Goldberg, as an important mentor.
By Raymund Flandez
Contributor
Tips for Smarter Financial Management at Nonprofits
Develop a plan to allocate indirect costs, such as rent and utilities, to each of the organization’s programs and apply that plan consistently. Consider total program costs when deciding whether to accept a contract or grant; make sure it would cover all expenses. Budget conservatively, using data…
Project Highlights Human Needs in Slums
Urban Survivors, a new multimedia project, seeks to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis and medical needs of people living in slums.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Federal Official to Lead Amnesty International
Suzanne Nossel sees “a new sense of possibility about what can be achieved through mass human-rights movements.”
By Caroline Preston
Contributor
Lessons in Financial Management Pay Off for Chicago Charities
The Wallace Foundation’s effort to help afterschool groups learn to strengthen their organizations is helping them survive the tough economy and improve the quality of their programs.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
A Ballet School Adjusts Its Position After Its Major Donor Bows Out
The Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington DC is still regaining its financial balance, but its efforts to add programs, recruit trustees, and show its value to grant makers are paying off.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
A Detroit Artist’s Whimsical Beautification Project Spurs Urban Renewal
After Tyree Guyton created a neighborhoodwide art project in Detroit, a nonprofit sprung up to attract tourists and educate schoolchildren.
By Lisa Chiu
Contributor
One Charity’s Board Adds Up to an Internet Brain Trust
The education charity DonorsChoose.org attracts tech-savvy trustees and advisers who want to help the charity take a cutting-edge approach.
By CODY SWITZER
Contributor
Advice for Nonprofit Job Seekers: Pay Attention to Details
Nonprofit managers offer advice to job seekers, including tips on how to organize a résumé and learn about the organization where you want to work.
By CODY SWITZER
Contributor