Paths for improving non-profit impact on society: lessons from government–non-profit relationships in Brazil. Issue 3 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marchesini da Costa, Marcelo
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 29:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Civil society – NGOs, Partnership -- Latin America and the Caribbean; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2018.1546826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: How can non-profit organisations achieve their intended impact on society? This article analyses factors that influence non-profit action in two key situations: when these organisations work autonomously from the government, and when they work in collaboration with the government. Based on interviews with experienced non-profit leaders in Brazil, the article presents typical paths for success and common reasons for failure in achieving non-profits' intended outcomes. Organisational, relational and contextual factors influence non-profit action, leading to different outcomes. Brazilian non-profits provide lessons for non-profit action in developing countries contexts that experience cycles of political and economic instability.