The Role of Non-Profit Organizations

The Role of Non-Profit Organizations In Our Societies

In the early 2000s the thrust of the role of Nonprofits including Faith-Based organisations (FBOs) gained more recognition when President George W. Bush announced government support for such. The Bush administration over the years, came to a realisation that non-profits, including Faith Based organisations (FBOs) are at the forefront of solving social ills that face society. They face the most neglected people in society and do transform lives and societies (Milbank, 2001). Hence, the need for government support alongside the support of the corporate world.

Understanding Nonprofits/The third sector.

There are three sectors that deal with humanitarian issues both at local levels and global levels and they impact differently on societies. There is the first sector or public sector, the second sector or private sector and the third sector or non-profit sector. The public sector consists of the government, public institutions, parastatals and municipalities. They raise money mostly through taxes and rentals. The

St Peter’s Kubatana, Highfield, Harare

major stakeholders are the general public who should be satisfied with their work with the end motive of continued public support that guarantees retention of votes. The second is the private sector (referred to as For Profit Organisations). This exists to make profit. The major stakeholders are the customers or clients who need goods and services offered for a charge. The third sector comprises of different types of non-profit organisations. Some of them fall in the bracket of faith-based organisations (FBOs): these are parishes, church run organisations like schools, hospitals, charities, foundations, children’s homes, universities and other tertiary institutions among many. Some nonprofits are not of a Faith Based nature, yet they also make humanitarian efforts. The benchmark of the existence of nonprofits is not to make profits from selling goods and services, rather, they provide these with the aim of transforming societies, accompanying people and offering help for the common cause. Their success is measured through realising specific objectives (of which profit Fr Admire Rufaro Nhika SJ is not central) or making an impact where they operate. For survival and pursuant to their initiatives, they need funds. They can make surpluses from fundraising, donations and subscriptions, but such surplus funds are not shared among shareholders as with organisations in the private sector.

There are international nonprofit organisations like the United Nations and its various departments and branches, The Red Cross, Medicins Sans Frontiersor Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Caritas, L’arche International, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), Oxfam, Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), World Vision, among many. Some can be national and work in partnership or collaboration with governments, like in Zimbabwe, the National Aids Council (NCA), Jairos Jiri Association and other nongovernmental organisations. There are those of a small scope which consist of small charities, foundations, clubs, soup kitchens, home based care organisations, cooperatives among others.

Fr Nigel Johnson SJ gives a word of advice to Boys of Zambuko House on their graduation day.

making organisations is that, they endeavour to pursue issues that are not readily dealt with by the government or by private businesses. Nonprofits can also exist to promote a cause, like those that promote and develop arts and sport.

How do nonprofits relate with governments and private corporates?

The way nonprofits relate to governments and private businesses varies a great deal. Some play a supporting role or enter into partnership with the government particularly in the education and health sectors. Others are there to raise alarm about situations, or push the two sectors to be accountable to the people. Some can become unpopular as they tend to challenge the status quo in the public and private sector; examples are Human Rights Watch groups. Still others tend to work towards policy change like advocacy groups such as with Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and the Girl Child Network.

Nowadays in the business world companies that do not respect human rights are shunned by consumers, not because of any problem with regards to their goods and services, but because of the harmful practices they may be engaging in. Adding to that, big companies and businesses can engage in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) which is a way of aiding some aspect of society through community engagement. In this way they promote their brand and establish good standing with the communities.

Challenges faced by Nonprofits.

Firstly depending on their nature and size, non-profits tend to have people who are passionate for the cause to transform society while not having much needed hard skills. Part of the reason is that they cannot attract experts in various roles due to remuneration constraints. There is so much volunteer employment in the nonprofit sector, which helps in reducing costs on salaries and wages. Secondly, their existence largely depends on the trust and confidence of their many stakeholders. A small mistake or scandal could mean cessation of funding from donors and that can put the overall existence of the organisation at risk yet by and large it would be making tremendous contributions to society. Thirdly, small grassroots nonprofits lack governmental and corporate support in