Where Most Needed

Sexual Healing vs the Hollywood Hype

A number of different twelve-step programs with a focus on sex addiction have been around for over twenty five years, but remain marginal compared to Alcoholics Anonymous—like most of the other spin-off groups other than NA and Al-Anon.

Shriners: Bookkeeping for Clowns

New York Times finds lax controls in local Shrine clubs yielding little benefit overall for the Shriners Hospitals, which rely on a huge endowment and direct contributions. 

Small Groups Push for Recognition of Slavery in Philadelphia

A tiny nonprofit and an unincorporated group kept the pressure on the National Park Service to tell the story of how President George Washington held on to his slaves in the original US capital after Pennsylvania abolished slavery. 

Barbershop Harmony Society Restyles

The group has achieved a name change, headquarters relocation, and acceptance of a modern repertoire to attract younger members, despite grumbling from the old guard.  And the organization offers a wealth of accessible, online help for local groups that want to organize—better than what many nonprofit advisors have to offer. 

American Association of University Professors Fades to Gray

Torn by divergent missions of academic freedom and collective bargaining, the organization struggles for recognition among younger faculty. 

Oregon Nonprofit Association Enters with a Whimper

Anemic dues structure will hamstring the new 140-member association.  My analysis suggests that the members have much more capacity than they are willing to commit to the organization. 

Michigan Nonprofit Association Folds into Volunteering Organization

The state embraces a model where nonprofit support is a joint responsibility of corporations, donors, and government—but working human service nonprofits have their own, separate organization.

Harvard Researchers: Back to Bigness

A historian of charities and a lawyer revive interest in charity organizations that combine national and grassroots perspectives in a federated structure. 

Columbus Takes Notice of Merger Fever

Human service groups are trying different forms of merger, and some small groups retain their public identity after combining with larger organizations. 

NTEN to Party Down in DC

A new generation carries on an old paradox: one thing that small charities do well is throw expensive parties.