Building a Nonprofit Organization
A Case-Based Approach
(First Edition)
©2026, 188 pages
Paperback list price: $49.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $44.95
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Building a Nonprofit Organization: A Case-Based Approach offers an evidence-based guide through the nuanced and complex terrain of establishing, leading, and growing nonprofit organizations. The book addresses the necessity for a holistic and dynamic understanding of community needs, integrating management processes, investment, human development, and thorough community assessments. Through the lens of systems theory, this resource aims to equip students with the vital business acumen they need to succeed in the nonprofit sector.
The book covers essential elements for developing a nonprofit organization such as mission and vision alignment; ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks; governance; talent management; and finance. Through the inclusion of real-world case studies and “Voices from the Front” sections (in which nonprofit leaders share their experiences and expertise), students learn about the diverse challenges and creative solutions encountered in the nonprofit landscape.
Aligned with the curricular guidelines established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, Building a Nonprofit Organization provides students with a comprehensive view of nonprofit development that aims to foster lasting social impact in communities. It is ideal for courses in nonprofit management, public administration, human services, community services, and philanthropy and nonprofit innovation.
The book covers essential elements for developing a nonprofit organization such as mission and vision alignment; ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks; governance; talent management; and finance. Through the inclusion of real-world case studies and “Voices from the Front” sections (in which nonprofit leaders share their experiences and expertise), students learn about the diverse challenges and creative solutions encountered in the nonprofit landscape.
Aligned with the curricular guidelines established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, Building a Nonprofit Organization provides students with a comprehensive view of nonprofit development that aims to foster lasting social impact in communities. It is ideal for courses in nonprofit management, public administration, human services, community services, and philanthropy and nonprofit innovation.
Janet Houser is Provost Emerita at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She was a professor of health services administration and served as Academic Dean of the Rueckert-Hartman College of Health Professions. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in nursing, an M.A. in healthcare administration, and a Ph.D. in applied statistics/research methods. Before joining Regis, she spent 20 years in healthcare administration with the Mercy Health System.
Jim Garcia is the CEO and founder of Tepeyac Community Health Center. He has more than two decades of executive management and leadership experience in community, education, and human services programs. He holds a B.A. from Regis University and an M.P.A. from the University of Colorado, Denver.
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$44.95
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Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
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"Garcia makes it clear no one person has the answers to a community’s problems/needs. As is his humble nature, he tells the remarkable story of how the health needs of church members and the wider community were not being met. Through commitment to shared values, persistence and dealing with known and unexpected obstacles, Garcia, with contribution from countless others, brought Tepeyac to life. From the beginning of Tepeyac as an idea to today being a fully integrated health and community organization that took the commitment of many like-minded individuals driven by their values to help others. Readers of this book will find many other compelling stories to help you/your organization address a societal need and bring this vision to life. In this book you will find all the straightforward steps needed to bring a successful non-profit organization to life. Now all that’s needed is your commitment."
Cary J. LeBlanc, Ph.D., Grenon School of Business, Assumption University
"As someone who has spent more than decades working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors—evaluating proposals, funding initiatives, and supporting community-based organizations (CBOs) as they grow and evolve—I can say without hesitation that Building a Nonprofit Organization is one of the most thorough and useful guides I have encountered.
In an increasingly changing and challenging nonprofit landscape, Building a Nonprofit Organization weaves together the methods and the passion for aspiring founders, executive directors, and board members alike. This carefully structured, case-based approach offers not only a roadmap for growing an organization but also the values, governance structures, and financial systems that are essential.
Each chapter provides actionable guidance, enhanced by case studies from diverse sectors—health, the arts, and animal welfare—making the content both accessible and adaptable. Especially notable is the book’s emphasis on community engagement—a critical yet often overlooked cornerstone of sustainable nonprofit success. This theme is woven throughout, reinforcing the idea that a nonprofit is not measured solely by dollars raised or services delivered, but by trust that is earned and maintained as well as the lives that are changed.
Whether you are founding a new nonprofit, leading an established institution through transition, or leading an organization in transition, this book with actual case studies is a guide that is as aspirational as it is pragmatic. More than a masterclass, Building a Nonprofit Organization is a must-read for those of us committed to building nonprofit organizations that grow and meet the needs of the many communities we serve."
Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO, Healthy Americas Foundation
“The book uses applied examples from real non-profits that will enable students to immediately understand concepts and information and how it is applied in the real world. This book will enable your students to clearly understand the ins and outs of non-profits and what is needed to be successful in this field. This is a textbook students will enjoy because it discusses the themes that excite students about the non-profit field and explains the “how to” for non-profits.”
Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., Ball State University
“A valuable and reader-friendly overview of what nonprofit organizations are all about and why they matter.”
Daniel S. White, Director of Development, Gordon College
“The text should serve as an excellent resource for students at any level or the professional who just wants to learn more. If I were a student again, this is one text that I would hang on to and keep on my bookshelf because it may serve as an excellent daily resource.”
Dr. Douglas A. Brown, Anna Maria College
“A soft landing towards understanding the essentials of non-profit management.”
Frederick D. Gordon, East Tennessee State University
Cary J. LeBlanc, Ph.D., Grenon School of Business, Assumption University
"As someone who has spent more than decades working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors—evaluating proposals, funding initiatives, and supporting community-based organizations (CBOs) as they grow and evolve—I can say without hesitation that Building a Nonprofit Organization is one of the most thorough and useful guides I have encountered.
In an increasingly changing and challenging nonprofit landscape, Building a Nonprofit Organization weaves together the methods and the passion for aspiring founders, executive directors, and board members alike. This carefully structured, case-based approach offers not only a roadmap for growing an organization but also the values, governance structures, and financial systems that are essential.
Each chapter provides actionable guidance, enhanced by case studies from diverse sectors—health, the arts, and animal welfare—making the content both accessible and adaptable. Especially notable is the book’s emphasis on community engagement—a critical yet often overlooked cornerstone of sustainable nonprofit success. This theme is woven throughout, reinforcing the idea that a nonprofit is not measured solely by dollars raised or services delivered, but by trust that is earned and maintained as well as the lives that are changed.
Whether you are founding a new nonprofit, leading an established institution through transition, or leading an organization in transition, this book with actual case studies is a guide that is as aspirational as it is pragmatic. More than a masterclass, Building a Nonprofit Organization is a must-read for those of us committed to building nonprofit organizations that grow and meet the needs of the many communities we serve."
Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO, Healthy Americas Foundation
“The book uses applied examples from real non-profits that will enable students to immediately understand concepts and information and how it is applied in the real world. This book will enable your students to clearly understand the ins and outs of non-profits and what is needed to be successful in this field. This is a textbook students will enjoy because it discusses the themes that excite students about the non-profit field and explains the “how to” for non-profits.”
Chad Kinsella, Ph.D., Ball State University
“A valuable and reader-friendly overview of what nonprofit organizations are all about and why they matter.”
Daniel S. White, Director of Development, Gordon College
“The text should serve as an excellent resource for students at any level or the professional who just wants to learn more. If I were a student again, this is one text that I would hang on to and keep on my bookshelf because it may serve as an excellent daily resource.”
Dr. Douglas A. Brown, Anna Maria College
“A soft landing towards understanding the essentials of non-profit management.”
Frederick D. Gordon, East Tennessee State University
