Thrivability in the social business space

Talk about timely! Last week’s post spotlighted Dan Pallotta’s model for nonprofit reform, including the financial and social barriers that inhibit scaling, which could thrust nonprofits from charity into social businesses. Thanks to one of my readers—Christa Mannarino — for providing a TED Talk link for Pallotta.

On the heels of that post, the Sun-Sentinel ran a news article highlighting the strategic turn that smart nonprofits leaders are making to focus on nonprofit business thrivability. If you are wondering about my choice of words--- thrivability implies growth while sustainability implies status quo. As they say…  if you’re not growing, you’re dying ….

Recognizing that the business of nonprofits will look very different in the future, nonprofit thrivability trends include:

• Nonprofit leaders returning to the academic setting for MBA degrees—at least one college—Florida Atlantic University has responded by offering an MBA in nonprofit management

• Private sector leaders are lending their expertise in two areas: as Nonprofit CEOs and in peer-to-peer mentoring of private sector and nonprofit CEOs

• Nonprofit leaders are stepping back to set a vision and strategy, creating an environment for effectiveness and efficiencies

• Outsourcing back-office functions (IT, HR, Finance) to direct more resources to programs and mission. Nonprofits First, based in Boynton Beach, Fla., is now providing high-level administrative services for some 80 nonprofits.

What are you seeing in terms of nonprofit thrivability trends?