ABSTRACT
This chapter examines four major developments/trends (social, economic, professional, and leadership) in the environment that also have implications for the future of the American nonprofit sector. The sector's ability to proactively deal with these developments and take advantage of the opportunities that they present will play a significant role in shaping the future debate on non-profit organizations (NPO) effectiveness and legitimacy. NPOs, similar to any other organizations, have to prepare themselves to fully utilize this diverse workforce. For NPOs in general, neither has played a strong role in actively recruiting and engaging a diverse workforce. In contrast to NPOs, government organizations and for-profits have more flexibility to adopt and implement strategies and policies to adjust/address to recession. NPOs, however, due to their core mission to serve are faced with more constraints and challenges during a time of recession when the demand for their services usually takes a surge.
