Scaling Innovative ways nonprofits can increase their reach and social impact

Latest

Podcast

William Foster - How to Grow a Nonprofit Big

Many nonprofits want to expand their staff and funding base so that they may serve a broader public. Until recently, little information was available about how such organizations may do so successfully. In an audio interview with Stanford Social Innovation Review managing editor Eric Nee, William Foster shares findings from the Bridgespan Group's groundbreaking research on what it takes to be in the big leagues. He discusses types of funders to pursue, how to restructure an expanding organization, and whether going big is right for everyone.

Podcast

Fazle H. Abed - Thinking Big and Scaling Up

Solving the world's big problems takes large-scale solutions, says Fazle H. Abed, founder of Building Resources Across Communities in Bangladesh. In this audio lecture, Abed outlines the development and market perspectives that have enabled his organization to expand and meet his country's needs in key areas, including microfinance, agriculture, and education.

How Nonprofits Get Really Big

By William Foster & Gail Fine 21

Since 1970, more than 200,000 nonprofits have opened in the U.S., but only 144 have reached $50 million in annual revenue. They got big by doing two things: They raised the bulk of their money from a single type of funder. And just as importantly, these nonprofits created professional organizations that were tailored to the needs of their primary funding sources.

Podcast

David La Piana - Tools for Collaboration and Competition

The nonprofit world can be a surprisingly competitive place with players keenly striving to distinguish themselves and win scarce dollars. Being an effective competitor as well as a good collaborator can help drive a nonprofit's social mission and improve long-term success. In this audio lecture, consultant David La Piana shares his own experiences with a 2007 Nonprofit Boot Camp audience and gives advice on the continuous strategic planning needed for an organization to build its competitive advantage without compromising core values.