Perseus Academic: The Nature of the Nonprofit Sector by J. Steven Ott

"Nonprofit organizations provide valued and critical services to the citizenry and play important roles in the representation of citizen and community interests. This excellent book edited by J. Steven Ott and Lisa Dicke, The Nature of the Nonprofit Sector offers a very comprehensive selection of classic articles and publications on nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Thus, the book provides valuable insights and analysis on the increasingly prominent place of nonprofit organizations in America and abroad. This timely, accessible book will quickly become an essential text for students, scholars, and policymakers interested in more fully understanding the distinctive societal contributions of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy and their organizational, political, and fiscal challenges and opportunities." —Steven Rathgeb Smith, Nancy Bell Evans Professor of Public Affairs, Evans School of Public Affairs, the University of Washington

"Steve Ott and Lisa Dicke have assembled a wonderful collection of readings, eminently suitable for introductory courses on the nonprofit sector as well as a great starting point for more advanced students and scholars seeking to explore various topics in depth. The readings include both classics and current contributions by many of the field's top scholars in a variety of academic disciplines. Theory and practice, national and international, and current and historical perspectives are all embraced in this valuable book." —Dennis R. Young, Bernard B. and Eugenia A. Ramsey Professor of Private Enterprise Director, Nonprofit Studies Program Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University

"“Steven Ott and Lisa Dicke have succeeded in identifying, selecting, and editing a set of readings that takes us a long way toward making sense of the sector's complexity and recognizing its distinctive roles in U.S. society. . . . everyone–whether specialist scholar, beginning student, or seasoned professional–will benefit from a careful reading of the selections that are included. The introductory sections to the various parts of the book are of enormous help.

As someone who has taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in the field, I am painfully aware of the difficulty of developing a list of engaging readings that covers the major concepts and theories in the field. We owe the editors and the publisher a major debt of gratitude for having produced this updated volume." —Kirsten Grønbjerg, Indiana University (from the foreword)

Reviews from the prior edition:

“Professor Ott is a leader in nonprofit management education. He has assembled a group of authors who have a great deal of knowledge in the field. The reader provides a great overview of the subject.”—Naomi Bailin Wish, Center for Public Service, Seton Hall University

“Steven Ott has assembled an outstanding collection of readings on the nonprofit sector. It should be required reading for classes on this topic.”—Jeffrey L. Brudney, University of Georgia

“Like a gourmand at large in a vast farmer’s market, Steve Ott has picked his way through an increasingly rich and diverse literatures on the nonprofit sector. Then Ott, the chef, has artfully combined and integrated his ‘ingredients’ into a scholarly feast fit for both novices and more experienced students of the sector.”—Jacquelyn Thayer Scott, President & Vice-Chancellor, University College of Cape Breton

“A valuable teaching tool providing students with breadth, depth, and a variety of perspectives. Ott has done a wonderful job of compiling some of the most influential and readable sources available.”—Kevin Kearns, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh and President, The William J. Copeland Fund, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

“This collection offers a wide range of the best and most interesting work on nonprofit organization and the third sector.”—Editor, Nonprofit Management and Leadership