In 1938, the President of the United States wanted to fund polio research. Despite being the Chief Executive, he couldn’t secure government funding, nor were there private sector backers. So, the President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, turned directly to everyday Americans, launching a nonprofit, the March of Dimes. Millions of small donations poured in, fueling vaccine research… eventually contributing to one of history's greatest public health breakthroughs.
Today, nonprofits like the March of Dimes still fill the gaps that governments and markets leave behind. From fueling lifesaving research to delivering disaster relief, these organizations champion progress where it’s needed most—often relying on the generosity of ordinary people to make extraordinary change.
The nonprofit space is vast, spanning from global giants like Save the Children and Oxfam to grassroots community-based organizations. In the US alone, 1.8 million nonprofits generate over $3 trillion in income annually—more than the commercial banking sector.
In this Primer, we’ll explore the world of nonprofits and the wider social sector of which they are a part. We’ll break down their diverse types and roles, show how they raise money and create impact, examine how they’re structured and measured, and delve into the trends shaping their work.
This Primer is perfect for anyone looking to understand an industry, fast. Whether you’re a consultant preparing for a case in telecom; a salesperson hoping to make headway with a big pharmaceutical customer, primers are the prep step that enables success.
· Introduction
· Social Sector Ecosystem
· NGO Types
· NGO Activities
· NGO Organizational Structure
· NGO Metrics
· Trends
In this Primer, you will learn:
· Who are the different participants in the social sector landscape?
· What are the different types of nonprofits and NGOs?
· How do NGOs raise funds and implement programs?
· How are NGOs organized?
· What are the major iNGO operating model considerations?
· What metrics do NGOs use to assess performance and impact?
· What are the major trends shaping the future of nonprofits and the social sector?