Stanford Social Innovation Review

Social enterprises combine the best of the nonprofit and for-profit worlds, but that very innovation has made it difficult for them to raise money. Philanthropists are reluctant to give grants to profit-making organizations, and commercial investors are wary of investing in organizations that are driven by a social mission. The authors explore the social enterprise capital market and offer short- and long-term solutions to this funding gap.

Xenophobia and altruism may have evolved hand in hand.

Matching grants work – but not for everyone.

Newspapers do a poor job of reporting on the nonprofit sector.

Donors’ money isn’t going where they think it is.

The Public Radio Fund gives investors a chance to protect nonprofit airwaves. With its help, KTOO-FM in Juneau, Alaska, recently debuted a 24-hour news show and two locally-hosted Alaska-flavored music stations. 

Nonprofits pay dearly for their donations.

Since 1970, more than 200,000 nonprofits have opened in the U.S., but only 144 have reached $50 million in annual revenue. They got big by doing two things: They raised the bulk of their money from a single type of funder. And just as importantly, these nonprofits created professional organizations that were tailored to the needs of their primary funding sources.

Why nonprofits should let donors give back their fundraising incentives.

How to identify your IT needs and get money for them.

When hiring executives, many nonprofits should seek marketing expertise.

One of the most important, but often overlooked, ways that a nonprofit can improve its effectiveness is to develop a strong brand. Not only does a distinctive brand personality help a nonprofit raise its visibility among the general public, but it also develops deeper ties with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.

International development organizations spend lots of money and effort building the capacity of small businesses. Yet they often fail to ask whether people want the businesses’ goods and services. As these stories from Peru show, successful programs start with real buyers who are willing to buy real products.

The most successful nonprofits pay close heed to their markets.

Spiffy Web sites aren’t just easy on the eyes; they’re also easier to believe and learn from.