Why Do We Expect Nonprofits to Solve Society's Biggest Problems Without the Same Resources as For Profit Businesses?

Nonprofits are expected to solve some of society's biggest challenges, yet we rarely support them like we do other businesses. Michael sits down with longtime nonprofit leader Scott Kerman to explore why one of Oregon's largest industries lacks the same infrastructure, technical assistance, and investment that entrepreneurs and for-profit businesses receive. Together, they discuss the growing role nonprofits play in delivering public services, the challenges facing nonprofit leaders, and what it would take to build an ecosystem that helps these organizations thrive instead of simply survive.

Guest Information

Scott Kerman (He/Him)
Nonprofit Executive and Public Sector Leader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kerman-pdx/

Recording and Production

This Episode Recorded at: Michael's Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Office
Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio
Filming/Socials by: Nate Kersey @@natekersey 

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Overview of the U.S. nonprofit sector, including economic impact, employment, and charitable organizations.
https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/

National Center for Charitable Statistics data on nonprofit organizations in the United States.
https://nccs.urban.org/

Independent Sector's annual Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report.
https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/

Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section, which regulates charitable organizations operating in Oregon.
https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/

Oregon Secretary of State resources for nonprofit corporations.
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/nonprofit.aspx

Business Oregon's programs supporting businesses, entrepreneurship, innovation, exports, and economic development.
https://www.oregon.gov/biz

Prosper Portland's Office of Small Business and economic development initiatives.
https://prosperportland.us/

U.S. Small Business Administration overview of business assistance, financing, and technical support.
https://www.sba.gov/

America's Small Business Development Center Network.
https://americassbdc.org/

SCORE volunteer mentoring and business education programs.
https://www.score.org/

Oregon Innovation Hub Network supporting entrepreneurs and commercialization throughout the state.
https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/innovation

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network supporting startups through education, networking, and mentorship.
https://www.oen.org/

MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), providing business education and technical assistance to entrepreneurs.
https://meso.org/

Xcelerate Women supporting women entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and networking.
https://xceleratewomen.org/

Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) – Oregon's statewide nonprofit membership organization providing advocacy, policy leadership, governance resources, research, training, networking, and capacity-building for charitable nonprofits across the state.
https://nonprofitoregon.org/

The People's Nonprofit Accelerator – Professional development organization offering affordable education, executive leadership training, fundraising certificates, peer learning, networking, and capacity-building for nonprofit professionals throughout Oregon.
https://thepeoplesnonprofit.org/

National Council of Nonprofits overview of nonprofit governance, fiduciary duties, and board responsibilities.
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

IRS guidance for tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3).
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits

IRS Life Cycle of a Public Charity compliance overview.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/life-cycle-of-a-public-charity

National Council of Nonprofits resources on nonprofit financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

Multnomah County Homeless Services Department and contracted service providers.
https://www.multco.us/homelessness

Oregon Health Authority information on community-based behavioral health services.
https://www.oregon.gov/oha

Oregon Department of Human Services overview of partnerships with community organizations delivering public services.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs

Urban Institute research on the economic impact of nonprofit organizations.
https://www.urban.org/

Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies research on the nonprofit sector and civil society.
https://ccss.jhu.edu/