Governance, Nonprofit Organizations, and Strategy: The Network Philanthropy Model

Grant-making foundations play a crucial role in financing a wide range of philanthropic projects that contribute to the social and economic development of targeted communities. In fulfilling this essential function, the trustees who serve on each foundation’s board of directors must ensure not only the economic and financial stability of their organization but also a balance with the expectations of the diverse social actors operating in the community, including associations, cooperatives, and operational foundations. This book identifies the features of the planning, programming, and controlling model of foundations that better facilitate a positive mediation between a strategic approach and civic dimensions. It offers insights and practical recommendations for designing governance and control mechanisms that promote transparency, accountability, and a network approach in the grant-making process and underscores the significance of a suitable governance framework in fostering trust and mutual understanding between foundations and their stakeholders. The guidance provided in this volume is based on rigorous research and real-world experiences, making it relevant and applicable to scholars and practitioners in the field. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance the governance mechanisms within nonprofit organizations to maximize the impact of their philanthropic initiatives.

Giacomo Boesso is a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Padova, Italy.

Fabrizio Cerbioni is a Professor of Accounting at the University of Padova, Italy.