Research & Best Practices
Many websites and publications provide basic data, best practices, and evolving research regarding the nonprofit sector.
Research Sources
The Center for What Works looks at outcome indicators and performance measures. The Center offers the first sector-wide framework to measure outcomes in 14 program areas.
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations works to build strong, effective nonprofits through leadership development and organizational learning.
Guidestar provides comprehensive information on the more than 1.7 million nonprofits registered with the IRS. The site also offers tools for nonprofits, such as salary data.
The Human Interaction Research Institute helps nonprofits, funders and communities deal with change. Its website includes a database of 398 capacity-building programs.
The National Center for Charitable Statistics is a national clearinghouse of data on the nonprofit sector.
Best Practices
Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice – A Guide for Charities and Foundations 
Independent Sector convened 25 national nonprofit leaders to discuss ethical and governance challenges in the sector. After working for three years, the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector submitted150 action recommendations to Congress and the Internal Revenue Service. This document describes 33 principles for transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Building Leaderful Organizations: Succession Planning for Nonprofits
Funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this document is part of a series
on executive transitions and executive transition management. It provides tools for emergency succession planning, guidance for executive directors about when and how to leave an organization, and a list of recommendations for boards working to maintain an organization's stability through a period of transition.
Online Tools and Technology Tips for Nonprofits
View the materials from Aligning Strategic Thinking & Technology, an INE organizational development workshop with Deborah Elizabeth Finn.
Greening Your Nonprofit from the Inside Out: A NeighborWorks Guide for Community Development Organizations
Produced in conjunction with Strategic Sustainability Consulting
New information on best practices comes out regularly. Check out these publications for constantly updated information:
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