Not-for-profit Research Articles

Case Article—Optimizing Food Donation Delivery for the Nonprofit Company Logica&Co

The article presents a case exercise that teaches students how to apply mathematical programming to a real-life context. The case deals with the management of the food donation supply chain. The case, using a project-based approach, proposes a realistic scenario that simulates the consulting interaction with a nonprofit company, Logica&Co, which acts as a two-sided platform connecting supply and demand. The objective is to define an effective strategy to collect and deliver food donations, using either bike or e-bike, from local businesses to soup kitchens, covering a semester-long timeframe. The form of the problem exhibits nonlinear characteristics, but the design allows for adjustable difficulty levels. Students can assess their performance during the class period thanks to an interactive offline tool, the SoS simulator, which is publicly available for download and can be customized by instructors. The case was proposed as a competitive group challenge for students of the bachelor’s or master’s program in management engineering at Sapienza University of Rome. However, given the embedded characteristics of flexibility, it can be easily adjusted for heterogeneous curricula of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in engineering programs (this opportunity is extensively discussed in the Case Article and the Teaching Note). The students appreciated both the teaching methodology and the teamwork aspects and highlighted the utility of the SoS simulator tool. Supplemental Material: The Teaching Note and its supplemental material are available at https://www.informs.org/Publications/Subscribe/Access-Restricted-Materials .

Case—Optimizing Food Donation Delivery for Nonprofit Company Logica&Co

The case addresses a real-world challenge encountered by the nonprofit organization Logica&Co. It revolves around optimizing the logistics involved in collecting food donations from local businesses and delivering them to soup kitchens, utilizing a fleet of bike riders. The focus is identifying efficient strategies to minimize transportation and warehouse costs while maximizing the impact of the donations and private sponsor monetary contributions. The study includes tasks such as determining optimal bike and e-bike warehouse locations and managing the allocation of resources among riders and soup kitchen volunteers.

REGULATORY HURDLES IN LISTING OF SHARES OF NON-PROFIT COMPANIES

Companies Act, 2013 provides for incorporation of non-profit companies (NPCs) under section 8of the said Act.The Working Committee appointed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for makingrecommendations on social stock exchanges has in its report submitted to SEBI observed that thereare no regulatory hurdles for the NPCs in listing their equity shares on recognised stock exchanges.This paper names and discusses the legal and regulatory hurdles in the non-profit companies inlisting their shares on a recognised stock exchange in the context of the existing provisions underCompanies Act, 2013 (CA), Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA), SecuritiesContracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 (SCRR), and relevant SEBI Regulations. The papers alsoattempt to identify the market constraints that may come in the way of creation of liquidity in theshares of such companies.

Sustainable solutions to the continuous threat of antimicrobial resistance.

To combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), advocates have called for passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act in the United States, which would appropriate $6 billion in new taxpayer-funded subsidies for antibiotic development. However, the number of antibiotics in clinical development, and US Food and Drug Administration approvals of new antibiotics, have already markedly increased in the last 15 years. Thus, instead of focusing on more economic subsidies, we recommend reducing selective pressure driving AMR by (1) establishing pay-for-performance mechanisms that disincentivize overprescribing of antibiotics, (2) focusing existing research and development funding on strategies that decrease reliance on antibiotics, and (3) changing regulation or law to require specialized training in antibiotic stewardship for a clinician to be able to prescribe new antibiotics that target unmet AMR need. To stabilize the antibiotic market, we recommend (1) establishment of an advisory board of clinical practitioners to more accurately target existing antibiotic incentives and (2) endowment of nonprofit companies that sustainably self-fund antibiotic discovery, creating a bench of molecules that can be partnered with industry at later stages of development.

Community-based monitoring: shoreline change in Southwest Alaska

Arctic amplification of climate change has resulted in increased coastal hazards impacts to remote rural coastal communities in Alaska where conducting research can be difficult, requiring alternate methods for measuring change. The pilot program, Stakes for Stakeholders, was initially planned to be funded from 2016–2018. Upon project completion the work has shifted to individual community’s partnering with several agencies to continue the work. Stakes for Stakeholders was initially planned to be funded for three years and upon project completion the work has shifted to individual community’s partnering with several agencies and entities to continue the work. This research showcases a successful long-term community-based erosion monitoring program in two rural communities in Southwest Alaska. The resulting outputs from the workflow we developed were (1) locally prioritized data products, such as a hazard assessment report for Chignik Bay and (2) evaluation rubrics used to assess the suitability of future sites and the efficacy of the program. Our model of two-way communication, responsiveness to individual community needs, and attention to efficiency and effectiveness of the program workflow, can serve as a model for universities, for-profit, non-profit, Tribal, city, state, and federal research agencies and communities partnering to respond to global climate change.

Unraveling the chains: Exploring the impact of ownership on administrator turnover in nursing homes.

Leadership instability in nursing homes marked by high administrator turnover threatens the well-being of vulnerable residents. Although numerous factors have been implicated, the role of ownership remains unexplored. Based upon the tenets from institutional theory and strategic management theory, the primary goal of this study was to examine the impact of ownership on administrator turnover. Data were derived from different sources: LTCFocus.org , Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System, and Area Health Resources Files (2021-2022). The dependent variable was administrator turnover categorized as follows: 0 = no administrators left, 1 = one administrator left, and 2 = two or more administrators left. The primary independent variable was ownership/chain affiliation categorized as four possible interactions of for-profit (FP) status and chain affiliation: not-for-profit (NFP) independent, FP independent, NFP chain, and FP chain. An ordinal logistic regression model was used, and predicted turnover probabilities were calculated across the four ownership categories. The primary hypothesis was supported and compared to NFP independent, FP chain, FP independent, and NFP chain nursing homes that exhibited approximately 2.3, 1.7, and 1.4 times higher odds of administrator turnover. Predicted probabilities confirmed these trends: FP chain nursing homes had the lowest retention, with a 42% probability of no turnover, 32% for one administrator leaving, and 26% for two or more leaving. In contrast, NFP independent facilities had the highest retention rates, with a 62% chance of no turnover, 25% for one leaving, and 13% for two or more. Differences between groups were statistically significant ( p < .001). FP chain ownership was associated with the highest administrator turnover rates, whereas NFP facilities experienced the lowest. FP independent and NFP chain homes had intermediate probabilities of administrator turnover. Tailoring management strategies to the specific ownership structure may reduce administrator turnover and ensure consistent resident care.

Fundamental Principles of Risk Management in Restructuring, Reorganization, and Liquidation of Non-Profit and Profit-Oriented Companies

Fundamental Principles of Risk Management in Restructuring, Reorganization, and Liquidation of Non-Profit and Profit-Oriented Companies

A review of Returned and Services League venues operating electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia and the level of funding contributed to veterans.

A review of Returned and Services League venues operating electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia and the level of funding contributed to veterans.

Design and implementation of a stakeholder consultation process for rapid health technology assessments in Argentina

Design and implementation of a stakeholder consultation process for rapid health technology assessments in Argentina

«Cвой среди чужих, чужой среди своих»: АНО как «некоммерческое общество с ограниченной ответственностью»

Although an autonomous non-profit organisation (ANO) formally is classified by the Civil Code of the Russian Federation as a non-profit unitary organisation, it is considered in the article as an organisational and legal form of a legal entity possessing all the necessary characteristics of a non-profit corporation. To increase the efficiency of the activities of autonomous non-profit organisations, ensure the stability of civil turnover and implement the principle of fairness, it is advisable to introduce into the law a default rule on the proportional relationship between the volume of management rights of the founders of an autonomous non-profit organisation and the amount of property contributions made by them, as well as to legislatively regulate the turnover of these rights (“shares”), thereby completing the transformation of ANO into a “non-profit limited liability company”. Pending the amendment of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and the Law on Non-Commercial Organisations in the absence of special provisions of the law defining the content of the rights and obligations of the founder of an autonomous non-profit organisation the provisions of Art. 65.2 of the Civil Code on the rights and obligations of participants in a corporation should apply by analogy with the legislation (clause 1 of Article 6 of the Civil Code).

BARRIERS TO COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES AMONG OLDER ADULTS: PERCEPTIONS OF PROVIDERS AND OLDER ADULT STAKEHOLDERS

Abstract Finding proper nutrition for individuals living in or near a food desert is of particular concern for older adults, many who experience chronic health problems. This qualitative study explores barriers and challenges in food accessibility for older adults in Flint, Michigan. Qualitative data was collected at four focus group sessions in early 2022. Two focus groups included 15 older adults, 65 years of age or older. They shared their experiences and challenges regarding food accessibility. The other focus groups included six professionals employed at agencies connected to food distribution. Based on responses from both groups, we revealed challenges to food access/distribution among older adults. Data analysis highlights gaps in communication and knowledge of community food provision as barriers to older adults accessing food. Community providers noted while Flint doesn’t have adequate grocery stores, the community was not short of community-provided meals. Despite numerous food assistance programs in the community, older adults were unaware of all food distribution options. They were also unaware of digital apps to find food distribution or the best pricing for goods at grocery stores. As non-profit agencies and businesses rely more on digital communication, written communication is often forgotten, leaving out many older adults. Other identified communication barriers included literacy issues, language barriers (growing Arabic and Spanish-speaking populations), and lack of overall knowledge on where to go for community food. Implications for addressing gaps in communication will help to address food access and nutrition security for older adults in marginalized communities such as Flint, MI.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE INTERDISCIPLINARY OLDER ADULT FINANCIAL JUSTICE COALITION

Abstract Financial fraud and exploitation have devastating impacts that are felt acutely among older adults. To address this issue in Colorado, a coalition was formed in March of 2023 to bring together the state’s strong but historically disconnected contingent of experts across disciplines. This coalition includes 60 individuals representing 30 agencies including law enforcement, financial institutions, adult protective services, government, and non-profit agencies. The goals of the coalition are to 1) convene and grow this network to include all key stakeholders and leaders in financial fraud and exploitation across the state, 2) provide support, training, actionable tools, and resources for front-line workers and 3) streamline resources and create a collaborative state-wide hub for resources around financial abuse. Through this initiative we have identified barriers to collaborative efforts in this area including sharing data across agencies, building trust between industries, and an overall lack of shared language. Lessons learned from the implementation of this coalition include how to communicate across disciplines, elevating the expertise of those in the field without replicating work or operating in silos, and utilizing an academic institution to facilitate these collaborative efforts. To provide an overview of the innovative and interdisciplinary coalition, we will showcase the process of developing, maintaining, and expanding this coalition with the purpose of providing a framework for other states to replicate.

SERVICE AND PROGRAM NEEDS TO SUPPORT OLDER, LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS AGING IN PLACE

Abstract An interdisciplinary team of the Housing, Kinesiology, and Textile programs at North Carolina A&amp;T State University is collaborating on a multi-year research project to examine the person-environment fit perspective for older, low-income homeowners in North Carolina. Using a qualitative phenomenological study approach, researchers conducted 19 in-home and personal interviews with urban low-income, older homeowners in community-dwelling units. A local nonprofit housing agency providing home modification services to low-income older adults assisted with sample recruitment. Researchers conducted a content analysis using interview transcripts from recorded voices, home assessment data, photos taken during home visits, and interviewers’ notes. Data analysis revealed personal elements (e.g., living alone, informal support, mortgage payments, technology capability levels) and environmental elements (e.g., steps, dust/unclean home conditions, clutter, continuous upkeep needs) that can be associated with respondents’ aging-in-place practices. The qualitative data also highlighted the need for additional services and programs to improve their home environment or housing conditions beyond home modifications. Examples include cleaning services (e.g., dust on floors, carpets, ceilings, or vents), laundry services for home textiles (e.g., fabric drapes on windows), lawn care programs, and services for placing trash bins at the curb for pickup and returning them near the home. This study provides an opportunity to understand older, low-income homeowners aging in place and their home environments, which have been less explored using a qualitative approach. This research presentation will be supported by qualitative comments from study participants, along with photos of home environments.

UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING COMMUNITY-BASED PALLIATIVE CARE REFUSALS: A MULTI-PERSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract More than half of older adults have multimorbid chronic conditions, resulting in disability, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Community-based palliative care, increasingly part of Medicare Advantage value-based care plans, supports seriously ill individuals and their caregivers to improve symptom management and satisfaction and reduce acute care use. Yet, many potentially eligible individuals decline free services when offered. To understand why eligible individuals refuse palliative care, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 22 Medicare Advantage plan members and caregivers who refused palliative care and five palliative care team members at a non-profit healthcare agency. Transcripts were analyzed to identify reasons for refusal. We identified three overarching reasons plan members and caregivers declined palliative care: (mis)associating it with end of life, unclear benefit of palliative care, and not wanting to change current care. Palliative care team members confirmed these findings and contributed additional insights. Medicare Advantage plan members and families who refused palliative care represent a key resource for understanding how to better explain services and increase acceptance of palliative care. Palliative care team members’ perspectives provide insights from interactions with seriously ill individuals who may be disinclined or unable to engage in research. In clinical practice, clearly differentiating palliative care from hospice, providing an individualized explanation for how it will address an individual’s particular needs, and emphasizing integration of palliative care with existing care teams may improve engagement in palliative care among seriously ill older adults.

PREPARING NORTH CAROLINA’S HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WORKFORCE: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND THE PATH FORWARD

Abstract Older adults and people living with disabilities receive home- and community-based services (HCBS) from approximately 113,000 often poorly paid and inadequately supported direct service workers in North Carolina (NC). The demand for these workers is increasing rapidly, with NC projected to add almost 23,000 new direct care jobs from 2020 to 2030. The Medicaid-funded Workforce Engagement with Care workers to Assist, Recognize, and Educate (WECARE) project aims to modernize NC’s direct care training and credentialing (TC) to increase the pipeline of workers, build career pathways, elevate their skills and recognition, and improve job quality and retention using Collective Impact (CI). CI utilizes the following essential elements in creating and sustaining diverse collaborations: a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and “backbone” support (dedicated coordination team). Informed by extensive desk research, five listening sessions with HCBS workers, support recipients, and family caregivers, and 113 formal engagements with state and non-profit agency leaders and regulatory bodies, WECARE’s state-wide landscape analysis revealed: lack of consistency and flexibility in TC requirements; limited portability of credentials; limited person-specific training; minimal funding incentives for professional development; and the need for an expanded core competency set, including planning, self-care, cultural humility and role delineation. To address these challenges, WECARE’s recommendations include adopting a core competency set for DSWs established through creating a unified multi-level DSW certification framework, strengthening career ladders and lattices within HCBS to support retention, and creating an online portal to house training, credentials, experience and other information that supports worker mobility.

Where User Perceptions of Charities and Independent Nonprofit Ratings Meet: Inside the Black Box of Nonprofit Performance

Scholars have pointed to the multidimensional nature of nonprofit performance, but some contend that user perspectives are often overlooked. To the extent that users rate their experiences and interactions with nonprofits on public online platforms, such as Google, this content presents an opportunity for tapping into user perspectives of charities and considering whether these perceptions align with those of independent nonprofit rating agencies. Do online user reviews of nonprofits converge with the performance assessments of independent charity raters? We answer this question through a mixed-methods study involving a quantitative analysis of ratings data from Charity Navigator and Google user ratings for 228 nonprofits, followed by a qualitative content analysis of online reviews conducted on a subset of these cases. We find a small but positive association between user and independent ratings, although service users tend to base their ratings on different factors than ratings agencies. Our findings carry a number of important implications for those interested in nonprofit performance. For nonprofit leaders, online user ratings and reviews offer a window into the subjective impressions of service users and can serve as a complementary source of performance feedback to more traditional types of data. For funders and donors, our findings discourage exclusive reliance on independent ratings in assessing nonprofit performance and point to the need to account for user perspectives in the calculus of performance.

ABOUT SOME FEATURES OF THE LEGAL REGIME OF THE PROPERTY OF STATE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The article examines in detail the legal regime of the property of state higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in particular the norms of current legislation concerning the legal status of organizations operating in the status of state enterprises, non-profit joint-stock companies and state institutions. It is obvious that the legal status of these educational institutions directly affects property rights, and the specifics of property relations have a significant impact on the quality of educational services provided, as well as on the indicators of economic and social development of the country. Educational organizations face many restrictions, especially with regard to the rights of ownership, use and disposal of property, which, in turn, negatively affects their financial stability and competitiveness. Based on the research of scientists analyzing these issues, the article reveals contradictions in legal norms and legislation related to property management. These legal issues are considered as the most important factors for the effective management of property relations of educational organizations and ensuring the necessary conditions for their development. In addition, the problems of educational organizations related to property require the development of solutions that make it possible to effectively use financial resources, increase investment attractiveness, and improve the quality of education. The importance of this issue is most relevant for ensuring the stability and quality of the education system, since the effectiveness of property management plays a crucial role in the development of educational organizations, the implementation of scientific research and the formation of human resources. All this is important for improving the competitiveness of universities and ensuring the quality of education in accordance with international standards.

Ownership in State-Run Non-Profit Companies: Limits and Features of Implementation

Ownership in State-Run Non-Profit Companies: Limits and Features of Implementation

Bridging the Policy Gap: A Critical Autoethnography of Asylum Accompaniment

Executive Summary Unlike refugees, most asylum-seekers receive scant attention from US government and non-profit agencies. A loose network of individuals and organizations aims to bridge this gap in policy and services through the practice of asylum accompaniment. This article, by two scholar-activists with a combined 10 years of experience accompanying asylum-seekers, aims to: • Explore the praxis of asylum accompaniment via critical autoethnography, using our accompaniment narratives to illuminate the dynamics of accompaniment relationships, including the profound mutual benefits of this type of engagement and the complexities of social and political power, privilege, and access • Propose policy solutions that emerge from critical reflection on our experiences, including increased support for accompaniment networks • Offer a practical tool, The ABCs of Asylum Accompaniment, as a resource for informed accompaniment of asylum-seekers

Good Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations: A Review of the Literature on Boards of Directors

ABSTRACT We review factors that contribute to good governance in not-for-profit (NFP) organizations, specifically the performance and effectiveness of Boards of Directors. Assessing Board performance is a difficult task because of the variety of missions that NFPs strive to achieve and the assortment of stakeholders that they aim to appease. It is further complicated by the limited amount of data that are available and relevant to NFP Boards. Researchers often control for good governance by using an organization’s self-reported information about basic policies and procedures as a proxy for performance, but assessing a Board directly often involves more nuanced information. This review provides background information about NFP Boards, discusses relevant governance theories and the related Board roles commonly examined in NFP research, examines what is known about the performance and effectiveness of Boards in those roles, and suggests ideas for future NFP Board governance research. JEL Classifications: M40; M41.