Date of Graduation

Winter 1-2024

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)

College/School

School of Management

First Advisor

Dr. Richard Greggory Johnson III

Abstract

For decades, nonprofit organizations have faced immense challenges securing adequate funding that will not only run their programs, but cover all operational and overhead costs. Traditional funding models often restrict funds to specific projects or services, leaving nonprofits with financial instability, and potentially hindering their ability to fully deliver on their missions. Recently, there has been a shift in the philanthropic landscape that challenges these more restrictive fundraising models. As this conversation has grown, the concept of “Full Cost Funding” has gained traction, which calls for a more comprehensive funding approach that covers the full costs of running an organization, including indirect costs such as overhead, infrastructure, and fundraising costs.

This study seeks to provide an in-depth examination of the challenges and influences that affect nonprofit fundraising. A comprehensive understanding of these issues is crucial for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising strategies, and for funders to better align their funds with the real needs of the organizations they support. Further, this study aims to contribute a recommendation to the Full Cost funding discussion by proposing a Sustainable Full-Cost Coalition Philanthropy Framework. This framework envisions a collaborative approach to Full Cost Funding, involving a coalition of major funders working collaboratively with nonprofit organizations. This analysis and framework are presented in hopes of offering a potential recommendation to enhance Full Cost funding support and strengthen the sustainability of the nonprofit sector.

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