Business Commons^™

Pooling Power: Engaging Nonprofits In Coalitions For Social Change, Michaela Nee

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this research is to explore the nonprofit sector’s role in social movements and systemic change, the benefits of operating in a coalition, and how nonprofits can leverage and effectively participate in coalitions for systemic social change. While the nonprofit sector has been set at a structural disadvantage in many ways for participating in social movements, it also boasts many unique characteristics and resources that can be leveraged for effective social change that goes beyond daily nonprofit services. Collaboration is a well-known best practice for organizational efficiency and can be enacted in the form of coalitions for nonprofits …

"Next Generation" Givers: Implications For Nonprofit Engagement, Claire Lewis

Master's Projects and Capstones

The nonprofit sector is experiencing competition for resources, a decrease in donor retention, and larger donations from fewer donors. In addition, older generations are aging out. Therefore, it is critical that nonprofit leaders execute strategies to engage the Next Generation of supporters. In this project, Next Generation definitions, values, characteristics, and philanthropic habits were reviewed and analyzed through various resources and tools. Results yielded several key findings. First, definitions of the Next Generation are varied; however, they typically include Gen Y, and some or all of Gen X and Gen Z. Next Generation individuals are incredibly techsavvy, view time as …

Cross Sector Partnerships (Csps) For Social Change, Wendy Lee

Master's Projects and Capstones

A growing interest in cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) has revealed that nonprofit organizations seek to address complex social issues and achieve greater impact through collaborative efforts. Organizations that engage in CSPs with the three traditional sections (nonprofit, public, private) experience varying opportunities and challenges. In order for nonprofit organizations to craft strategies and participate in CSPs, they must first understand the unique challenges and opportunities of each sector.

Through in-depth literature reviews, interviews with nonprofit experts, and secondary data analysis, this project captures the motivations of each sector and provides nonprofit organizations with multiple perspectives to think about how to engage …

Transformational Relationships: Re-Framing Impact In Faith-Based Social Service Organizations, Sonja E. Schappert

Master's Projects and Capstones

Theories of change and logic models are the industry standard foundation for impact evaluation. However, half of all nonprofits do not use these models due to resource constraints or the perception that their work does not fit into a model. This is especially true in relationship-based programs, such as those in faith-based social services. This Capstone examines the influence of relationship theory on a faith-based organization’s impact. The research methodology included deductive, action-based research with a foundational literature review focused on nonprofit planning and evaluation theory and social science theory. Then a total of 6 expert interviews were conducted, 3 …

Major League Impact: A Comparative Analysis Of Youth Programs Within Major League Baseball Club Charities, Hayley Walker

Master's Projects and Capstones

As one of the most common structured activities for youth, sport provides numerous opportunities for children to learn to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Additionally, the popularity of sport among young people makes it an effective platform for Positive Youth Development (PYD). However, merely participating in sport does not guarantee that youth will develop positive character traits or acquire important life skills. For that reason, nonprofit organizations that offer sport-based youth development programs must have targeted approaches to facilitating opportunities for learning and growth. This study focuses on the methods of youth programming utilized by the charitable affiliates of five professional …