Innovating Nonprofits
The Case of Episcopal Community Services in Philadelphia
Abstract
Research has found that innovative and adaptive nonprofits achieve greater social impact. While we may know very little about the mechanisms driving innovation within nonprofits, this article features the case of a 145- year-old, multiservice, nonprofit agency in Philadelphia— Episcopal Community Services (ECS)—and studies how innovation can take place in a traditional nonprofit setting. From interviewing the executive director and staff, four observations were made about what drives ECS’ success: a desire to adapt and excel, being a beneficiary-centered agency, cultivating an open, innovative culture throughout the agency and institutionalizing data-driven innovation. From ECS’ approach, nonprofit leaders and managers can find practical insights for initiating and sustaining innovation in their own organizations.
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Copyright (c) 2016 Viviana Chiu-Sik Wu (Author)
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