Public Expectations and Nonprofit Sector Realities: A Growing Divide with Disastrous Consequences

Abstract

This article suggests that there is a growing disconnect between the public’s expectations for nonprofit organizations and the operational realities faced by nonprofit organizations. This disconnect is a problem of image as well as a deeper problem of meaning and substance. The image problem relates to inaccurate perceptions about the size, use of volunteers, and sources of revenue of nonprofit organizations. The problem of substance relates to the public’s growing misunderstanding of the legitimate and essential role of nonprofit organizations to engage in the public policy decision-making process to help set social priorities and allocate resources. The relief efforts associated with September 11, 2001, highlight how the disconnect between the public’s expectations and nonprofit sector operations is beginning to have adverse consequences for the nonprofit sector. The article concludes with suggestions for how nonprofit organizations can better align public expectations with their operational realities.