NOCSUS Chapter 10

This chapter criticizes the structure of nonprofits which may have sound intentions on paper, but could unintentionally create more issues than they solve. The fact of the matter, which they make sense of, is that the structure of nonprofits fluctuate based on internal factors such as changes in demographics (Lexington's growing Latino and Hispanic population) and demands that businesses be accountable for themselves in different ways and as transparent as possible [otherwise they could be deemed an unethical and possibly untrustworthy associations].

"Transparent organizations are characterized as open and accessible and therefore develop high levels of trust with clients, funders, and supporters."

Nonprofits, at times, might have to appeal to a particular demographic without doing so directly. This is easy for Maxwell Legal which gives resources in both Spanish and English. They even hosted a discussion group with legal representatives for undocumented immigrants who were concerned about what was going to happen to them during the Trump presidency. This was both timely and necessary, this can be universally agreed upon. However, for other demographics, it's not always that clean-cut. To appeal to, for example, a growing Protestant community, producing video ads displaying religious messages left and right could be a hit or miss. They could be viewed as overeager.

Transparency and accountability within governing bodies is essential and there have been sound arguments for it, however not all of those arguments can apply to nonprofit associations. While their mission and intentions should be clear, it's important not to apply the same standards of a governing body onto a nonprofit. This has mostly reformed corporate nonprofits in that they've become more of a business entity. More money might go to the business rather than its cause. Also, there are several unethical charities that create cynicism and hesitancy in those who wish to give but don't know who to give to. The Salvation Army, for example, has been reported to use donated money to give to causes that actively oppose LGBT rights and attempt to close down soup kitchens that adhere to civil rights laws (as opposed to allowing discrimination as long as it is based on some sort of religious or otherwise "moral" guideline). So, how do nonprofits dispel feelings of uncertainty?

When Lexington Community Radio advertised at the Night Market as a participant in the Good Giving Guide Challenge, we framed ourselves as a partner with the other organizations participating rather than a competitor. We told those who approached us that giving to the Good Giving Guide Challenge would assure that the donor was giving to a group that was transparent and that was accountable, and that they would know for certain where their money was going if they gave to a group in Good Giving Guide. We even shared the parameters that the nonprofits had to adhere to when participating in the challenge. Based on the number of donations we received that night and the expressions of understanding on people's faces as we gave our spiels, we found that method to be the most effective.