Sustainable Nonprofit Enterprise: The Next Phase of the Nonprofit Life Cycle

The nonprofit sector is playing an increasing role, globally, in providing the basic human needs of people. At the same time, there is a concern that the basic human services provided by governments are receding worldwide.

This possible dual trend suggests that communities and even nations are becoming more reliant upon the nonprofit sector to provide for life’s basics necessities for their populations.

In a study by Shaughn McArthur titled "Global Governance And The Rise Of NGOs," McArthur states, “Sometimes referred to as the 'Fifth Estate in Global Governance,' NGOs have evolved over the past two decades to become widely accepted—and contested—as the de facto guardians of the interests of humanity; filling the gaps in global governance where governments lack a foothold.”