Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector

Reviewed by Christina Tate, Adjunct Professor of Business, Tidewater Community College on 1/25/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text provides a clear introduction and overview of the foundational concepts and relevant theories related to nonprofit organizations, presenting the material at an appropriate pace and level for students or readers with no prior experience in the nonprofit sector. Key terms and definitions are relevant and applied consistently and accurately within the chapters. While the book does not include a glossary or index, the inclusion of these tools would be extremely beneficial in supporting navigation and improving comprehension, particularly for students who are not yet familiar with nonprofits.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content is presented in an unbiased and error-free manner. The text provides a clear explanation of what a nonprofit organization is; however, it would benefit from the inclusion of additional historical context from a foundational perspective. Specifically, greater attention to the origins of the nonprofit sector, including how and why nonprofit organizations emerged, would strengthen the overall accuracy and depth of the material.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text remains relevant by providing a strong introductory foundation for teaching the fundamentals of nonprofit organizations to first-time students. It incorporates examples and narratives related to critical historical moments that have affected both businesses and the nonprofit sector, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how national and global crises can impact organizations and communities. While the examples are current, the text is not overly dependent on rapidly changing data, which helps prevent the content from becoming quickly outdated. The material is structured in a way that allows for future updates to be implemented with minimal disruption, enabling revisions to be made without affecting the overall continuity, flow, or instructional value of the text.

Clarity rating: 4

The author provides clear definitions and uses industry- and sector-appropriate terminology, explaining concepts in a manner that is understandable for first-year students. Adequate context is provided for technical language throughout the text; however, the inclusion of a glossary would be helpful in further supporting comprehension for readers new to the subject.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is internally consistent in its use of terminology and conceptual framework. Concepts introduced in earlier chapters are applied consistently and remain relevant in subsequent chapters, supporting continuity and student understanding throughout the text.

Modularity rating: 5

With nine chapters, the text is easily divisible into individual modules that can be assigned at different points throughout a course. The structure supports the creation of written and discussion-based assignments across multiple instructional modalities, including in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous formats. Additionally, each chapter contains sufficient content to allow for flexible assignment design, making the text adaptable to both shorter and longer academic terms without disrupting continuity for the reader.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The text is organized in a clear and logical manner that is well suited for first-year students or readers with no prior knowledge of nonprofits and NGOs. The concepts are presented in a straightforward and easy-to-follow way without being overwhelming. Definitions are integrated throughout the chapters, and the progression of content follows a consistent structure in which each chapter builds upon the previous one, gradually introducing more complex material.

Interface rating: 3

The text includes charts, tables, and images; however, several interface issues affect the overall presentation. Some visuals appear distorted, and certain tables are formatted in a landscape orientation. Some of the visual images do not align well with the surrounding text, which may disrupt readability. The quality of the graphics varies, with some appearing dated or less intentionally integrated into the content. In addition, inconsistencies in color schemes, fonts, and text sizes create a somewhat disjointed visual experience.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I did not identify any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text demonstrates cultural inclusivity through the use of diverse images and visuals that reflect a range of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The overall tone is neutral and unbiased, and the content is presented in a respectful manner without placing emphasis on or privileging one group over another.

Overall, the text serves as a solid introductory resource for students who are new to the nonprofit sector. Its clear structure, consistent terminology, and foundational approach make it well suited for first-year or introductory-level courses. While there are opportunities to strengthen the text through enhanced design elements, the addition of a glossary or index, and expanded historical context, these areas do not detract from its usefulness as an entry-level instructional resource.

Reviewed by Carmin Harris, Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Texas at Arlington on 3/25/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This text provides a helpful introduction and overview of the nonprofit sector for new students interested in exploring the topic. Practical definitions and descriptions of nonprofit entities are shared. It concludes with ethical dilemmas nonprofits encounter while dealing with the most challenging problems faced in society.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The text remains unbiased and error-free. There is little information pertaining to the historical context of the nonprofit sector in the United States so an instructor may choose to supplement their syllabus if this aspect is important to their course learning outcomes.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This book has been written post-Covid (or at least revised), a time which forced substantial changes in the sector. In addition, recent examples and case studies (such as the war in Ukraine) continue to push thinking for NGO's and their relevance when addressing highly politicized issues. This text has helpful and relevant case studies for students which will remain relevant as we garner learning and reflect NGO effectiveness in the years since these incidents.

Clarity rating: 4

Throughout the text, the author provides definitions for sector terminology as well as most often used acronyms for reference points. The simple to understand language and ongoing inclusion of definitions are helpful for first-year students.

Consistency rating: 4

The terminology and tone are consistent throughout, remaining neutral in presentation of themes and key concepts framing societal issues.

Modularity rating: 4

The text is easily divisible into modules by chapter topic and easily assigned for course reading. The format is reader-friendly and flows well. The case studies could be assigned in groups or posted in online discussion boards for ongoing class engagement based on the instructor's preference.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The text begins with basic definitions in the sector and concludes with more complex cross-cultural dilemmas facing nonprofits and NGOs. The learning material builds from chapter to chapter. Language is clear and overall concepts are easy to understand.

Interface rating: 3

The book's layout is challenging. The varied use of fonts, color, and page layout are a bit distracting. There are a few tables lined with information presented landscape while the rest of the text is in portrait. It would be helpful to reformat the graphics so that they are in a consistent layout, reformat text, and improve graphics. The look and feel lack consistency and the overall appearance seems dated.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I did not identify grammatical errors in this review.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

While the text addresses the need for cultural humility in nonprofit and NGO efforts, it does not address the need for community-centric storytelling or asset-based community development in specific ways. The text does not expand upon BIPOC led nonprofits and their unique opportunities or challenges.

This is a very good text for an Introduction to Nonprofits course. The case studies and embedded links to additional resources will be helpful to new and seasoned instructors. I recommend using this text as a core resource, required reading, and supplementing it with additional (free) journal articles and videos as needed.