Blurring the Lines Between Public and Nonprofit Sectors: Local Efforts to Create Inclusive Communities

Abstract

Local governments and nonprofits share the common goal of enhancing local community well-being, despite variations in funding sources, governance structure, and authority. Their joint efforts in responding to increasing immigrant concerns shed light on their motivations to address emerging challenges. Through interviews, original surveys, and secondary datasets, this study unveils that both sectors respond to rising foreign-born populations, shifting local racial demographics, and an aging populace. While political context significantly shapes local government actions, nonprofits are propelled by grant opportunities. These findings underscore sector commonalities and disparities and how the two sectors can continue to work together or independently to address community issues.