ABSTRACT
The fiscal stress and the growing legitimization problems of state institutions that many countries are facing have led to an increased interest in alternative ways of providing public services. As a result, the nonprofit sector (third sector, voluntary or independent sector) has received special attention as an alternative to both state and market provision. This development is also reflected in a growing research interest. Different disciplines have contributed to the theoretical foundation of the nonprofit sector. Microeconomic theories, which were introduced more than a decade ago by Henry Hansmann and Burton Weisbrod, are of particular relevance.
