From the Director
The tradition of organized neighborliness is a distinctly American
phenomenon. Not only is the collective activity of the nonprofit sector
a major force economically, the individual organizations comprising the
sector bring a creativity, sensitivity and passion that enriches our
lives as a nation. Nonprofits play a critical role in such diverse areas
as the arts, the environment, human services, advocating for the
disadvantaged, education, international humanitarian assistance, and
more.
In spite of their collective importance, nonprofit organizations
find themselves under increased scrutiny from regulators, the media and
the general public; corporate scandals adversely impact the public’s
trust of all of its institutions, including its charitable
organizations. And the pressure grows from their boards and their
funders to somehow do more with less; outcome measurements are
increasingly required, and programs must demonstrate effectiveness as
well as efficiency.
Traditional funding patterns are changing. Faith-based organizations
are laying greater claim to resources. The enormous response in this
country and elsewhere around the world to the Tsunami demonstrated anew
that the charitable impulse is alive and well, but the outpouring of
support impacts only a narrow band of agencies. The ability to attract
corporate support is complicated, as mergers continue to lead to a
consolidation of their charitable giving programs.
Thus, at a time when the role of the nonprofit sector is more
important than ever, its ability to effectively compete for resources is
complicated by a powerful array of forces. In such an environment, the
mission of NSRI of helping build the capacity of nonprofits in New
Jersey and nationally, utilizing the resources of the Seton Hall
community in collaboration with other individuals and organizations who
have a similar interest, takes on special significance.
As the new director of NSRI, I am pleased to inherit a good
reputation. I look forward to working with our NSRI Advisory Committee,
with many others around the Seton Hall community, and with the many
other organizations around the State that assist nonprofits in the
capacity building process.
R. Barkley Calkins
Director