Gayle Nelson
Nonprofit Quarterly
Chicago, IL, United States
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Past articles by Gayle:
The Humbling Nonprofit: Lessons from a Bold Startup
Many new nonprofit organizations fail. A closer look at Global Entrepreneur Training Project reminds us of lessons learned. → Read More
Patents and Profits in a Public Setting: Who Should Benefit Financially?
To whom do the profits from a patent belong when a project is funded from the public coffers and pursued by an institution organized for public benefit? → Read More
Increasing Student Debt Transparency
Forty-four million Americans hold $1.34 trillion in student debt, creating a huge negative encumbrance on economic growth. A new Oregon law hopes to educate students on their potential loan burden before it is too late. → Read More
Uncertainty Ahead for the Nonprofit Sector
In a survey of over 100 diverse nonprofit organizations outlining future plans, challenges, and work conditions, 70 percent reported growing in the last fiscal year. At the same time, many also voiced fears of losing a major revenue stream. What’s wrong with this picture? → Read More
Universities Experiment with Crowdfunding as Early Donor Engagement
Universities have a history of successful campaigns attracting six-figure gifts, but a few schools have focused on small donations from current students or recently graduated alumni. → Read More
What Trump’s Philanthropy Foretold about his Presidency
Erratic, overpromised and underdelivered, beneficial to a small portion of this country’s expansive geographic area, and sometimes less than completely above board: Trump’s philanthropic behavior was a window into his presidency. → Read More
Training Programs Build New Opportunities for Those with a Record
As the number of people leaving prison and jail continues to grow, more nonprofits are developing innovative training programs, decreasing recidivism rates, and providing a brighter future for these individuals and their families. → Read More
When Tech Isn’t the Answer: Philanthropy and Refugee Education
Across the world, nearly 50 million children have fled their homes due to war and unrest. Many live in camps and other areas without educational resources. Donors and NGOs are exploring opportunities to restart refugee children’s educations—with mixed results. → Read More
The Built-in Risk of Growth in Government-funded Nonprofits
Since government grants rarely fund all of a program’s costs, instability may rise along with any growth they experience. When funding is disrupted, organizations have little choice but lay off staff. → Read More
The Pitfalls of Your 2018 Nonprofit Budget and What to Do NOW
March is normally chock-full of budget madness, but this year, many nonprofits are wondering if their March planning will be relevant by September. Here are some thoughts about what you can do now to inoculate against the vast uncertainty many nonprofits face. → Read More
How to Fund Social Change in an Increasingly Networked and Volatile Environment
Since the presidential election, protests have multiplied. These decentralized activities create obstacles to traditional funding processes, leading funders to develop innovative and flexible new models. → Read More
The 16 Ways Your 990 Informs on You
Many nonprofit leaders leave their 990s to their tax preparers. But more and more donors are examining the form as part of their due diligence. By using their returns to educate and clarify, nonprofits can garner increased revenue and donor engagement. → Read More
Get SMART: The 4-Step Science of the Viral Fundraising Campaign
Well-known social media campaigns like the Ice Bucket Challenge garner large-scale engagement and immediate attention, but translating this success into long-term awareness and financial support requires more than a click. Take, for example, the case of the ACLU. → Read More
In the Philanthropic Weeds: Cannabis Giving Goes Local
Although marijuana remains classified as an illegal substance by the federal government, the industry is booming thanks to legalization in more than half of the states. Many marijuana businesses want to give back, but many nonprofits remain hesitant. → Read More
Sexual Assault on Campus, Anonymity, and Title IX
According to an NIJ study, 20 percent of female college students are sexually assaulted while on campus. Some choose to file a complaint in their institution’s Title IX office, but these proceedings are full of challenges for the accused and the accuser. → Read More
Renewed Vows: Infusing Justice and Diversity into Environmental Advocacy
The environmental field has long been divided into haves and have-nots and small organizations representing low income communities and communities of color have not traditionally been among the haves. → Read More
18 Months of Budget Impasse in Illinois Stresses Nonprofits and Devastates Lives
Throughout the 2016 fiscal year, Illinois leaders failed to pass a state budget. Without a budget, the state reneged on their contracts with many social service organizations. The current six-month budget expires on December 31st, leaving many nonprofits wondering if 2017 will be a repeat of last year’s disaster. → Read More
What Does It Take to Grow a Nonprofit? Teamwork and Capital
A recent study documented three key indicators of nonprofit growth from idea to $2 million budget: teamwork, outcome evaluation, and capital. → Read More
When Public Parks Become a Civil Rights Issue
As the nation’s obesity epidemic continues to grow, many are focused on expanding minority communities’ access to public parks—but what are the effects on property values? → Read More
Is a Microloan Any Different from a Payday Loan?
A new art exhibit at the ZKM Center in Germany explores the hidden costs and the inefficiencies of many crowdfunding and microfinance sites. The creator hopes that by exposing these costs, donors will choose sites that channel more of the funds to donees. → Read More