

The "Groups" and the Non Profit Industrial Complex with Dr. Claire Dunning
Dec 18, 2024
Claire Dunning, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and author of "Nonprofit Neighborhoods," dives into the evolution of the nonprofit sector in America. She discusses the shift away from neoliberalism and critiques the elitism within nonprofit leadership, which often disconnects them from the communities they serve. Dunning also explores how nonprofits influence politics and the funding dynamics that perpetuate inequality. With a focus on homelessness, she emphasizes the need for transparency and grassroots advocacy to better address societal issues.
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Nonprofits' Influence in American Politics
- Nonprofits play a significant role in American politics, impacting governance, policy, and elections.
- This influence is rooted in a complex history, not solely a product of the Clinton era.
Intentional Cloudiness of Nonprofit Operations
- The lack of transparency around nonprofit funding and activities is intentional, obscuring their role in state functions.
- This cloudiness has allowed nonprofits to become subcontractors for government activities, with little public awareness.
Changing Aspirations in Social Impact
- Working for elite nonprofits used to be aspirational, seen as a way to effect positive change without government bureaucracy.
- This image has shifted, with younger generations now favoring individual social enterprises over large organizations.