Why Nonprofits Fail

In Why Nonprofits Fail, author and nonprofit expert StephenBlock explains that many well-intentioned leaders hold on to viewsof their nonprofit organizations that perpetuate problems ratherthan help fix them. According to Block, the first step to successis to challenge one's own personal paradigms and ideas and be opento unique and alternative approaches to solving problems. Thismuch-needed book helps nonprofits get back on track and offersadvice about the seven most common stumbling blocks, including:

• Founder's syndrome
• Fundphobia
• Financial misfortune
• Recruitment disorientation
• Cultural depression in nonprofit organizations
• Self-serving political performance
• Role confusion between the board and executive director

Stephen R. Block is the founding executive director ofDenver Options, Inc., a nonprofit organization that manages thedevelopmental disabilities service delivery system of care inDenver. He is the director of the Nonprofit Management Program atthe University of Colorado at Denver’s Graduate School ofPublic Affairs. Block was a consulting editor for the Nonprofitand Voluntary Sector Quarterly and on the editorial board ofthe Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.