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. 

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. 

Autism Speaks, but Not with One Voice

The Autism Speaks organization has merged several advocacy organizations under its umbrella to become a dominant fundraiser in a crowded field.  But controversial theories about the cause of the condition present a challenge to the founders even from their own daughter. 

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.

Congress Approves Red Cross Reforms

In the bill and the findings included with it, Congress rejects popular notions: charity as an independent Third Sector and the value of self-appointed watchdogs. 

For-Profit Firm Cracks the Combination at the Combined Federal Campaign

Playing by the rules of the federal workplace giving program (similar to the United Way campaign), charity coalitions managed by Maguire/Maguire capture $60 million of the nearly $270 million given by federal workers. 

NAACP Sings the Bloated Board Blues

As with the Red Cross, an unwieldy board structure chews up and spits out executive directors.  It will take an act of Congress to fix the Red Cross board, but there's no rescue in sight for the NAACP.