Redesigning Nonprofits

Praise for Redesigning Nonprofits “A timely and inspiring contribution, Redesigning Nonprofits shows how nonprofits, philanthropy, business, government and engaged citizens can work together to build a more caring, equitable, and democratic society. An important roadmap for the partnership future we need.”—RIANE EISLER, author and founder, The Center for Partnership Systems “Redesigning Nonprofits asks why the broken system was built this way and shows leaders and funders how to rebuild it. Honest about what’s failing, generous with what’s working and packed with models you can put to use.”—DARIAN RODRIGUEZ HEYMAN, author, AI for Nonprofits and Nonprofit Management 101 “Redesigning Nonprofits asks the question too few are willing to ask: What if the nonprofit model itself is the problem? It answers this with the clarity and specificity this moment demands.”—VANESSA PRIYA DANIEL, author, Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning “I hope financial advisors, as well as legacy and estate planners, will place this book in the hands of those asking the biggest questions: What difference can I and my wealth make? What values do I want to pass on? Find here practical wisdom, grace and joy.”—PHIL CUBETA, CAP Educator “An important book for these tumultuous times as nonprofits grapple with our role while society faces existential threats. There’s a lot of wisdom here, including from many leaders I look up to.”—VU LE, author, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy “This book bridges the worlds of philanthropy, civic engagement and democratic renewal. It belongs on the desk of every donor, advisor, nonprofit leader and policymaker committed to using wealth for the common good.”—CHUCK COLLINS, Co-founder, Charity Reform, Institute for Policy Studies “ Redesigning Nonprofits demonstrates that the future depends on women’s leadership and generosity, and on new commitments from government, business and families to grow and use nonprofits’ creative solutions to advance justice and common good.”—GLORIA STEINEM, journalist and social movement activist Move over business and government. The third sector is here to inspire hope and improve democracy in our 250th year…and beyond! In Redesigning Nonprofits, three seasoned nonprofit leaders confront a pivotal reality: the nonprofit sector is a core pillar of American democracy — yet its structures were built for a different era. When governments stall and markets fail, nonprofits have always been the ones to step in – giving voice to the voiceless, advancing social justice, and providing essential services that allow communities to function. But today, chronic underfunding, administrative burnout, and a growing web of interconnected crises have exposed an outdated operating system that forces incrementalism when the moment demands transformation. The authors argue that these challenges are not failures of leadership or commitment — they are symptoms of structures that no longer match the scale of the problems. Drawing on history, research, and insights from dozens of nonprofit leaders and innovators, the book explores how new approaches to funding, leadership, technology, and collaboration can unlock the sector's full potential. Readers will discover: Why nonprofits are essential democratic infrastructure — and what's at stake if we fail to reform them Actionable insights from leaders who have pioneered new models of governance and collaboration in response to rapidly evolving conditions Practical frameworks for replacing outdated funding mechanisms and leadership models that no longer serve mission-driven organizations Strategies for building organizational resilience and purpose-driven cultures that can thrive amid uncertainty and systemic change Real-world case studies showing how small to mid-sized nonprofits have redesigned their structures to achieve greater sustainability and impact Tools for overcoming the myths and mindsets that limit nonprofit effectiveness, from leaders who have collectively founded, built, and scaled over 50 organizations A detailed call to action with models, ideas, and steps that can transform the sector and lead toward greater partnership with government and business, and discussion questions to revitalize our national dialogue What emerges is both a critique and a hopeful vision: a nonprofit sector capable of mobilizing communities, strengthening democracy, and shaping a more just and resilient future. Essential for executive directors, board members, strategic donors, staff, consultants, financial and legacy advisors, and volunteers, Redesigning Nonprofits equips leaders at small to mid-sized organizations with the frameworks, strategies, and imagination needed to meet this moment.