Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector

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.

Comments

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.