The Third Sector: Non-Profit Institutions

The tragedy of September 11th thrust into a bright spotlight one of the fastest growing sectors of our society. The approximately $1.5 Billion contributed to victims of the tragedy is but a tiny fraction of the $200 Billion contributed each year to over 700,000 non-profit charitable, social welfare and ideological institutions. Private grant-making philanthropic foundations, approaching 60,000 in number nationwide, hold almost $500 billion in assets. New campaign finance laws, in effect after 5 November of 2002, likely will divert considerable sums of soft money to non-profit political committees.

Clearly, to maximize delivery of monies to meet the purpose and intent of these philanthropic efforts, great care must be exercised by those who hold stewardship of these resources. MacDonald-Bedford has the where-with-all to assist this essential sector to achieve performance and accountability goals.

Program and Project Management
Non profits, just as does any organization, launch great projects, open new offices, and reach out to new segments of society. They experiment, undertake initiatives and respond to changes in the economic and regulatory environment. MacDonald-Bedford knows project management, how to integrate all functions and develop synergetic teams focused on a common objective.

Management Consulting Services
The non-profit sector is based upon a fusion of the fields of management and philanthropy. Although success demands adherence to fundamental management activities, there are unique aspects of philanthropy which require special adjustments. Conscientious contributors want assurance that their gifts and donations are well spent. They seek non-profits with a track record of responsible management and effecting results. MacDonald-Bedford helps Non-profits to adopt best practices, strategize for achieving maximum productivity, streamline back-office functions and effectively use information management systems. Additionally, as new campaign finance laws divert political soft money to new politically active non-profits, the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) likely will be tasked with enhanced monitoring of tax-exempt organizations.

Professional Development & Training
Non-profits institutions arise from vision but they flourish and accomplish great things through leadership and teamwork. Philanthropists and charitable foundations direct their funds to those institutions whose leaders are well-developed and operations well-managed. Count on MacDonald-Bedford to bring the right skill sets to the executives and senior managers of your institution.