Experts and Leaders Discuss Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Organizations and the Power of Collaboration
The 12th annual Nonprofit Public Policy Symposium, held on September 22, 2023, brought together nonprofit leaders, scholars, and government officials to discuss the structural barriers faced by nonprofit organizations in their work. The symposium featured two sessions with six presentations, each shedding light on different aspects of the nonprofit sector. From the need for equitable childcare to the importance of data collection and collaboration, the symposium explored key issues and potential solutions for nonprofits. This article provides an overview of the symposium’s presentations and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the nonprofit sector.
Session 1: Overcoming Structural Barriers
The first session focused on the structural barriers that nonprofit leaders encounter in their daily work. Tiana Marrese from the University of Pennsylvania discussed the role of equitable childcare in attracting and retaining a motivated nonprofit workforce. Gretchen Van der Veer from Fair Chance and Michelle Jackson from the Human Services Council shared their experiences with nonprofit coalition-building in New York City and Washington, DC. Tamara Keshecki, Brenda Bushouse, and Eric Griffith presented their research on nonprofit participation in COVID-19 relief programs and highlighted the need for improved government support for nonprofits.
Session 2: Effective Partnerships for Nonprofits
The second session explored the power of partnerships involving nonprofits. Andrea Hill from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Janet Lo from the Shelby County Government discussed their experiences in formalizing a partnership between the county government and the local nonprofit community. Julia Mahoney, Will Alston, and Ken Seeley from the Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement shared insights into nonprofit-focused projects undertaken by the Denver city government, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration between the nonprofit and public sectors. Angela Eikenberry and Nuri Heckler from the University of Nebraska at Omaha presented an unrealized partnership that aimed to free philanthropic wealth from longstanding binds and provide reparations to communities from which wealth was extracted.
Themes and Insights:
Throughout the symposium, several themes emerged that highlighted the challenges and potential solutions for the nonprofit sector. One recurring theme was the need for a formalized structure within the federal government to represent and advocate for the needs of nonprofits. Currently, most interests have some form of representation in government, but the nonprofit sector lacks a dedicated office that understands its unique needs. This lack of representation has led to confusing and ill-designed government programs that do not effectively support nonprofits. The symposium emphasized the importance of having a positive voice for nonprofits within the federal government to avoid such issues.
Another theme highlighted the importance of nonprofit advocacy and the need to push back against adverse government policies. Nonprofits often face underfunded contracts and late payments, which can hinder their ability to provide quality services. The symposium encouraged nonprofits to advocate for themselves and demand better treatment from government funders. The example of the Coalition for Nonprofit Equity in Washington, DC, showcased the power of nonprofit coalitions in changing policy and securing fair compensation for nonprofits.
The symposium also emphasized the role of data in informing policymakers and the public about the challenges faced by nonprofits. Better data collection and analysis are needed to understand the impact of issues such as childcare on the nonprofit workforce. The Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement showcased the benefits of using data to assess and improve the relationship between the government and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, scholars highlighted the potential of data in creating the political will for reparations by connecting past injustices to current structures of wealth.
Conclusion:
The Nonprofit Public Policy Symposium provided valuable insights into the structural barriers faced by nonprofit organizations and the power of effective partnerships. From the need for equitable childcare to the importance of data collection and collaboration, the symposium highlighted key issues and potential solutions for the nonprofit sector. The symposium’s discussions emphasized the need for a dedicated voice for nonprofits within the federal government, the importance of nonprofit advocacy, and the role of data in informing policy and driving change. By addressing these challenges and fostering collaboration, nonprofits can make a larger positive impact in their communities and overcome the barriers they face.
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