On Being Nonprofit: A Conceptual and Policy Primer

by Peter Frumkin

This concise and illuminating book provides a road map to the evolving conceptual and policy terrain of the nonprofit sector. Drawing on prominent economic, political, and sociological explanations of nonprofit activity, Peter Frumkin focuses on four important functions that have come to define nonprofit organizations. The author clarifies the debate over the underlying rationale for the nonprofit and voluntary sector's privileged position in America by examining how nonprofits deliver needed services, promote civic engagement, express values and faith, and channel entrepreneurial impulses. He also exposes the difficult policy questions that have emerged as the boundaries between the nonprofit, business, and government sectors have blurred. Focusing on nonprofits' growing dependence on public funding, tendency toward political polarization, often idiosyncratic missions, and increasing commercialism, Peter Frumkin argues that the long-term challenges facing nonprofit organizations will only be solved when they achieve greater balance among their four central functions. By probing foundational thinking as well as emergent ideas, the book is an essential guide for nonprofit novitiates and experts alike who want to understand the issues propelling public debate about the future of their sector. By virtue of its breadth and insight, Frumkin's book will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay of public purposes and private values that animate nonprofit organizations.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2002

Reviews

[Grace Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very helpful, very boring book.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this theoretically muddy. Concepts bleed together and it would be very hard to categorize an individual nonprofit or initiative under his framework. I also disagree with his take on the dangers of bringing management principles into nonprofits. Overall rating: meh.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters were strong while others were weak. The nonprofit sector is a large topic to cover in such a small book. I read it for a masters level course and do not intend on using it in the future.

[Tiffany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm only about 1/3 of the way through this, but I have thoughts.

So far, this should be called "About Nonprofits," not "On Being Nonprofit." Frumkin has spent the first 60 pages (and from the introductory chapter, I believe this will continue) talking about different kinds of nonprofits and some examples. There's so far nothing about *being* a nonprofit, nothing about policies that nonprofits should have, ... Just kinda a very generic summary of types of nonprofit organizations. There have been one or two interesting/thought-provoking sentences, and one or two interesting/thought-provoking tables, but literally, that's all.

... Now over halfway through and I still think this should be called "About Nonprofits." It's more of a sociological examination of different types of nonprofits, for someone who knows *nothing* about nonprofits. If you've been a part of nonprofits or have followed the sector, there's really nothing new in here; if you know nothing about nonprofits, there are a few good descriptions and explanations he provides about different types of nonprofits, different services they provide, nonprofits vs. government services and nonprofits vs. for-profit businesses. (But why does he make it sound like nonprofits are doing a bad thing by providing services the government won't fund for its citizens?? And why does it often sound like he thinks nonprofits are sleazy and dishonest??)

... Okay, I'll be more generous. I still think the title is misleading and isn't aimed at people already in the nonprofit sector; however, it may be a decent introduction for someone not involved yet. But the way he makes it sound like nonprofits are sleazy and dishonest seriously irks me. I get it if it's trying to show upsides and downsides, or potential pitfalls that *some* dishonest people take advantage of, but it feels like he focuses on those and stresses those WAY more than the positive things nonprofits do. Therefore, it's getting bumped back down to just 1 star - DID NOT LIKE IT.

[Andrew Douglass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a solid foundation for understanding the nonprofit sector, and I think it worked well as a textbook. I would not recommend it as a fun, light read to anyone looking for a popsci-style book about the sector.

[Melanie Matson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda dry but very in depth about the inner workings and functions of nonprofit organizations.

[Terry Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted more application.

[Tiare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for a college class, now I get to write a paper about my thoughts on it, but I have none, lol. Wish me luck!

[Kate Ditzler]

Read Chapter 1: The Idea of a Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector for my Nonprofit Public Management class.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you are into nonprofits, or want to understand them. Otherwise, skip it.