Nonprofits as economic engines, mixing religion and politics, the “glee effect” and more: Recent NPQ contributions

The Nonprofit Quarterly newswire is abuzz with new writers and sizzling commentary. At a time when public sector budgets are still contracting and private sector markets remain in turmoil, there are many stories about the unique role of nonprofits not only in meeting direct human service needs, but also in rebuilding economic opportunities and shaping policy. Drawing from many news sources, here are the most recent articles I’ve contributed to the mix.

Nonprofits as economic development assets:

• San Francisco Nonprofits Unite to Push for Increased City Funding: In San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s proposed budget for next year, local nonprofits that depend on cost-reimbursement contracts for services delivered on behalf of the city are one step closer to (modestly) increased funding. How did the city’s nonprofits succeed in getting heard at a time when steep budget cuts are still the norm?
• Landmark Oregon Study Documents Economic Impact and Resilience of the Nonprofit Sector: A new study shows that Oregon nonprofits are starting to recover from the prolonged recession, but their contributions can’t be taken for granted.
• Tapping Large Nonprofits as Economic Development Engines: According to a new study by the Baltimore based Living Cities Design Lab, large nonprofits are underutilized anchors for regional economic vitality and equity.

Policy:

• If A Healthy Business Cannot Exist in A Sick Society, What Should Corporate America Do? An influential nonprofit leader with roots in the corporate sector argues that the private sector has an interest and an obligation to do more for the nonprofit sector.  But is the proposed agenda enough?
• States Unite to Fight Citizens United: Twenty two states with diverse political climates, including California, Mississippi, Idaho and Vermont have joined Montana to defend states’ rights to regulate campaign financing.
• Progressive Advocate Kim Klein Takes a Stand for Mixing Religion and Politics: Kim Klein is a powerful force in the world of grass roots advocacy and social justice. Now, she comes clean about the source of her adamant progressiveness; old-fashioned religion. She argues that religious progressives should join her in “coming out.”
• The Glee Effect: Arts Involvement Boosts Student Achievement: A new report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) demonstrates high correlation between arts involvement and student achievement, especially for students from poor families.